Security analyst Andrews Asiedu Tetteh has advised authorities to establish fast-track courts dedicated strictly to handling illegal mining cases as swiftly as possible.
He stated that both previous and current administrations have deployed little effort in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Tetteh alleged that those tasked with tackling illegal mining—including personnel from the military, the police, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO)—have been compromised. He noted that individuals involved in galamsey operate without fear and continue their illegal activities with impunity because they have bribed security officials.
Tetteh made these remarks in response to the recent arrest of nine members of the Blue Water Guards for allegedly impersonating officials from the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Taskforce (NAIMOS) and demanding bribes. He argued that over 80 per cent of officials assigned to combat galamsey are complicit in allowing the practice to persist.
To address the situation decisively, he proposed establishing military camps in areas where illegal mining thrives, recommending a monthly rotation of deployed soldiers. He also expressed concern over the posture of the government’s security advisers, lamenting that despite numerous calls to declare a state of emergency, the President has refused, citing contrary advice from his security team.
The analyst maintained that the galamsey menace poses a severe national security threat, warning that illegal mining will persist unless state officials take immediate, decisive action.
“Galamsey remains a threat to our security and human life. To deal with the situation, we should immediately establish fast-track courts to handle these cases with the speed of light. We want the cases to be treated with urgency, with no needless adjournments. Those involved must be prosecuted and jailed if found culpable of engaging in illegal mining. This is an emergency issue, but our state authorities are joking. Until when will President John Dramani Mahama declare a state of emergency?”
He supported the government’s decision to establish military bases in galamsey-prone areas, emphasizing that “the President must also consider declaring a state of emergency on galamsey. The law must be swift in handling these illegal miners. We have to put mechanisms in place so that we will have security among the security officials dealing with galamsey to arrest all those who have been compromised.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana