Former General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Atik Mohammed, has criticized the government’s handling of the fight against illegal mining popularly called galamsey.
Accordig to him, the necessary measures to end the menace are not being implemented.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, Atik said the galamsey fight has been politicized, making it difficult for authorities to act decisively against perpetrators.
He cited a viral video showing rival gangs clashing over mining sites, saying it demonstrates how illegal mining has evolved into a hub for criminal activity and arms proliferation.
Atik further urged the government to depoliticize the fight and ensure that anyone found guilty of engaging in galamsey, regardless of political affiliation, is prosecuted.
“In a viral video, the services of macho men were called upon, and it escalated into an open fight between gangs. This situation indicates that the issue goes beyond just environmental destruction; it is becoming a battleground for hardened criminals who have access to guns. The illegal miners (galamsey operators) are acquiring these weapons in the name of protection.
“The NAIMOS task force is no different from what President Akufo-Addo previously attempted. For the government to effectively combat galamsey, they must take decisive action, which they are currently not doing. The first step should be to suspend all artisanal and small-scale mining for a certain period.
“Additionally, the fight against galamsey has become politicized, with some major players being politicians themselves. If we can de-politicize crime, it will benefit us. The government should be able to prosecute anyone found guilty of engaging in galamsey activities,” he said.
Source: Farida Seidu| Adomonline
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