The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Honourable Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has criticised the reported illegal mining activities near the Mpohor Police Station, insisting that such operations cannot be justified under any circumstances. The Akwatia MP argued that accountability must begin with the security officers responsible for enforcing the law before attention is shifted to political actors.
Honourable Baidoo noted that images showing mining activities close to a police facility present a serious situation that must be addressed by an immediate investigation. He explained that the police command within the area must provide answers on what actions have been taken to address the situation.
The legislator emphasised that law enforcement institutions have the legal authority to arrest persons engaged in illegal mining activities. According to him, officials who have direct responsibility for maintaining law and order should first be called upon to explain their role in preventing such activities.
He further argued that discussions around illegal mining often focus heavily on political office holders while leaving security agencies outside the conversation. The Akwatia MP explained that District Chief Executives and Regional Ministers do not possess arresting powers and usually depend on the police and other security agencies to act.
Addressing the issue of responsibility, Honourable Baidoo rejected attempts to place automatic blame on political leaders without establishing whether they interfered with law enforcement duties. He emphasised that investigations should determine whether any official prevented the police from carrying out their constitutional mandate.
The Lawyer highlighted that illegal mining remains a long standing national challenge which requires practical solutions and stronger enforcement mechanisms. He noted that protecting communities from the dangers associated with mining activities requires all institutions involved to perform their duties effectively.
Turning to the reported situation at Mpohor, the Akwatia MP urged authorities to identify the specific police officers stationed in the area and demand explanations on the steps taken. He suggested that inviting the officers responsible to account for their actions would help establish the facts surrounding the incident.
Honourable Baidoo stressed that the fight against illegal mining cannot succeed when responsible institutions avoid accountability. He added that every official involved in safeguarding the environment and enforcing mining regulations must demonstrate commitment to ending activities that threaten communities.
He also cautioned against allowing discussions on illegal mining to become limited to political accusations. From his perspective, addressing the issue requires examining the actions of all institutions with direct responsibilities in the enforcement chain.
He explained that while politicians can support policy direction and provide resources, operational enforcement remains the duty of security agencies. The Akwatia MP therefore called for a balanced approach that identifies failures wherever they occur.
Honourable Baidoo reiterated that no form of illegal mining should take place around public institutions or locations where law enforcement officers operate. He called for transparent investigations to establish what happened and ensure that appropriate measures are taken.
Accountability Must Start With Those Enforcing Mining Laws
Honourable Baidoo has also called for a change in the approach used to address illegal mining activities, arguing that institutions with direct enforcement powers must receive greater scrutiny. The legislator explained that focusing only on political figures could leave key actors within the security system without proper examination.
He stated that any security officer who fails to act against illegal mining activities must be prepared to answer questions about their conduct. The Akwatia MP stressed that protecting Ghana’s natural resources requires commitment from every institution involved in the enforcement process.
The MP pointed out that District Chief Executives and Regional Ministers work with security agencies and do not have independent powers to arrest illegal miners. He explained that any attempt to hold political office holders responsible must first establish whether they influenced or obstructed police operations.
“Call the officer there and ask him whether he has seen what is happening. Ask him what he has done about it.”
Honourable Bernard Bediako Baidoo
Furthermore, Honourable Baidoo highlighted the dangers associated with uncontrolled mining activities, particularly abandoned pits that threaten human lives and the environment. He noted that communities affected by such activities deserve protection through effective enforcement and responsible governance.
The legislator appealed for a more comprehensive response to illegal mining challenges by strengthening collaboration between political authorities, security institutions and local communities. He argued that lasting solutions require institutions to work within their assigned mandates.
Looking at the role of law enforcement, the Akwatia MP reiterated that officers with arresting powers should be the first point of accountability when illegal activities occur. He explained that this approach would ensure fairness while allowing investigations to identify any possible interference.
Honourable Baidoo further stated that politicians should only be held responsible when evidence shows that they have frustrated the work of security agencies. He urged stakeholders to avoid assumptions and allow facts from investigations to guide public discussions.
According to him, Ghana’s efforts to tackle illegal mining require stronger enforcement systems and cooperation among all stakeholders. He added that protecting the environment and communities depends on ensuring that every responsible institution performs its duty.
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