Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has issued a stern warning to the government, emphasising the importance of the state demonstrating its full force to address the escalating challenge of the fight against Illegal mining.
Ken Ashigbey’s call comes in the wake of the recent unfortunate brazen attack on the Director of Operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and his team in the Ahafo Region.
His response to the NAIMOS incident shows the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for decisive action.
Ashigbey therefore, called on the state through the government, to “use the full force that is at its command to be able to deal with” those involved in the attack, stressing that anybody who is implicated, it does not matter whose ox is gored, should be dealt with as strongly, as the law requires.
“For me, I think the call by the police, the IGP, and then also the Minister for Land and Natural Resources are in the right place. Fortunately for us, there are video footages.”
Ing. Ken Ashigbey
State Apparatus
In substantiating his call, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines also drew parallels between the challenges faced in Ghana and the organised criminal activities observed in other parts of the world.
“And we need to let all communities know that the state is there to protect all of us, but when you decide to come and act against the state, the state will use the full force that is at its command to be able to deal with you. This is the challenge that we’re dealing with. When you go to places like South America, this is what is happening.”
Ing. Ken Ashigbey
Ashigbey’s statement emphasised the importance of the state demonstrating its power and not allowing itself to appear weak in the face of such brazen acts of violence and obstruction of justice.
State of Emergency
Ashigbey reiterated his belief that the declaration of a state of emergency could have provided the necessary legal framework and powers for the government to effectively address the illegal mining crisis.
He stated that “if a state of emergency has been declared, and with all the powers that the president will have at hand, who born dog for these people to do the things that they have done?”
Prompt Prosecution
The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines emphasised the importance of utilising the available evidence, including video footage, to prosecute all those involved in the attack on the NAIMOS team.
He admonished that, all the evidence that were collected be immediately tendered to the police, and for the investigations to be carried out swiftly and thoroughly.
Ashigbey’s call underscore the need for the government to demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law and the protection of its citizens.
He further stressed that “the state should not demonstrate weakness”.
This sentiment echoes the broader public sentiment that the government must take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of its institutions and the safety of those tasked with enforcing the law.
Criminal Elements
The CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines made it clear that the state must send a strong message to the “criminal elements” involved in illegal mining activities.
He has warned that as an individual, when you decide to seize the law into your own hands and act against the state, the state must in response, use the full force that is at its command to deal with you.
This uncompromising stance reflects the urgency of the situation and the need to curb the growing audacity of those engaged in these illicit operations.
Ing. Ken Ashigbey’s impassioned response to the NAIMOS attack resonates the critical importance of the government’s resolve in the fight against illegal mining.
During this era where the country continues to grapple with this persistent challenge, the state’s ability to demonstrate its power and effectively hold perpetrators accountable will be crucial in restoring order, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the livelihoods of Ghanaian citizens.
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