The Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa West, Peter Toobu, has suggested that the punishment which will be meted out to the arrested National Security officers for illegal mining should be of the highest form.
This, according to him, will deter others and as well send a strong signal to citizens that government is serious about the renewed fight against illegal mining.
“They should be handed the highest sentence. If they are escorted to Accra, that should be the end of the military involvement in the case. They should be handed to the prosecutorial powers for them to complete the work.
“This matter should be treated expressly. If they are really stationed at the seat of government then they are probably backed by a higher power. If we arrest people from the jubilee House involved in wrongdoing,;it helps the fight and whoever is helping in the fight.” also
Peter Toobu
His comment comes on the back of the arrest of some National Security Operatives caught mining illegally in the Eastern Region. also
Meanwhile, government has deployed two hundred (200) Police Officers to this time around provide security for large-scale mining companies’ concessions across the country. The deployment follows a collaboration between the Lands Ministry, the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Police Service.
George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister-designate of Lands and Natural Resources, who spoke on the deployment said, it forms part of the government’s determination to build a viable and sustainable mining industry to mutually benefit the State and the investment community.
He also commended the five-member committee, inaugurated by the sector minister to oversee the provision of security for the mines. Additionally, he urged them to continue their good works to ensure sustainable mining practices.
Exhibit Professionalism at all levels
Also speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, Superintendent Henry Ayisi Mensah, admonished the officers to exhibit professionalism at all levels and not to condone illegalities.
Dr. Sulemana Koney, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, also expressed the Chamber’s appreciation to the government for agreeing to provide security for mining companies.
Moreover, Dr. Koney called for a permanent police unit for the mining sector, as the mining companies and communities continue to struggle;with robberies and life-threatening crimes. arrested
He said the mining industry continues to be a major contributor to the national economy;and further assured of the Chamber’s commitment to providing the necessary support and cooperation to the team on the field.
The officers deployed underwent a 10-day redeployment training programme, from 24 April to 5 May,;at the Ghana Police Command and Staff College at Winneba in the Central Region.
Adding his voice to the fight against illegal mining, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has urged;the government to ensure greater involvement of Chiefs, as it renews the fight against illegal mining across the country.
He bemoaned that, the seeming neglect of Chiefs in the fight against the menace;resulted in its failure in the past. Otumfuo Osei Tutu II welcomed the government’s move. Additionally, he said Chiefs shouldbe made to play a role in the fight against galamsey.
