Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) taskforce in Hwidiem, Ahafo Region.
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kotoko described the incident as “very unfortunate” and “unlawful,” stressing the dangers of confronting security personnel.
“These soldiers are empowered by the President to do their work and discharge their duties. What happened was reckless, irresponsible, and stupid,” he said. “If the soldiers had decided to retaliate, you can imagine what could have happened. Next time, they may even discipline anyone who comes at them like that.”
He said attacking soldiers carrying out their duties to curb illegal mining is completely unacceptable.
“As soldiers doing their work and fighting illegality, it is wrong even to think of going to fight them,” he added.
His comments follow reports that the NAIMOS taskforce, led by Director Colonel Dominic Boah, was attacked by a mob after apprehending suspected illegal miners near Bronikrom.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the team arrested several suspects and seized items including a Smith & Wesson pistol, ammunition, two pistol magazines, an unregistered Range Rover, an unregistered Toyota RAV4, and several mobile phones.
Police also allege that Dr. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, MP for Asutifi North, arrived at the scene with a group of people demanding the release of the detainees.
The MP has strongly denied these claims.
READ ALSO: