Spokesperson for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mahmud Kabore has called on the public to name individuals involved in illegal mining rather than hiding behind party lines with broad accusations.
Speaking in an interview on Abusua965FM’s AbusuaNkommo program with Kojo Marfo, Kabore emphasized that linking illegal mining activities to entire political parties obstructs effective efforts to tackle the problem.
Kabore challenged critics to be specific, saying, “Some blanket statements are not helping us. They should be bold enough to mention that Mahmoud Kabore is the reason the fight is difficult; that he is engaging in galamsey and this is his concession then we will invite Mahmud Kabore to assist with the investigation. But if we say ‘NDC,’ as it stands, the party has over 6.5 million followers, so which NDC member?.”
He noted that while there are allegations involving pastors, chiefs, journalists, and politicians, the public often does not know which political parties these individuals belong to, which undermines accountability.
Talking about the agency mandated to combat illegal mining, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, widely referred to as NAIMOS, Kabore explained the agency’s multifaceted approach. Beyond shutting down excavator operators, NAIMOS also targets those who attempt to bribe officials or the kingpins.
“Today, NAIMOS operations are not just about operators running excavators. Sometimes, after an operation, individuals claim to be influential figures and are invited for talks. When such a person arrives carrying bundles of money, NAIMOS officials confiscate the money, take photographs as evidence, and then arrest the person,” he noted.
He recounted a recent operation in Odaw Forest where a suspect offered fresh 1 million Ghanaian cedi notes, which were confiscated as evidence before the person was arrested.
Kabore provided examples of complicity within government ranks. He disclosed, “There are issues concerning government officials who are complicit in the matter, supported by empirical evidence.
“For instance, forestry commission staff connived with illegal miners by giving them tip-offs about upcoming operations in specific compartments. Following a preliminary investigation into Akonta mining activities in the Subri Forest, several forest guards were recommended for disciplinary action by the forestry commission.”
He also revealed an incident in Ashanti Region where three national security operatives were found protecting illegal miners, leading to the revocation of their positions and ongoing prosecution.
Highlighting the role of political will, Kabore commended President John Dramani Mahama and the Lands Minister for their steadfast commitment to fighting illegal mining.
“President Mahama has demonstrated time and again that he possesses the political will to fight this menace. I believe that in matters of illegal mining (galamsey), the only ingredient we truly need is genuine and sincere political will,”he indicated.
He said this leadership has deterred members within the ruling party from engaging in illegal activities, stressing that legitimate small-scale mining support is available for anyone willing to comply with regulations.
“If you think political affiliation can shield you from consequences, that is mistaken. Our operations are not hindered by partisan issues,” Kabore concluded.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
