A Research Fellow at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Dr. Kwame Asiedu Sarpong, has lambasted the government’s decision to deport foreigners involved in illegal mining, or galamsey, without facing prosecution.
In a recent Facebook post, Dr. Asiedu described this approach as “nonsensical,” arguing that such individuals should be tried and jailed if found guilty.
He also emphasized that they should be held financially accountable for the environmental damage caused by their activities.
Dr. Sarpong wrote on Facebook “The idea that foreigners engaged in ecocide will be deported and not punished is nonsensical. As a minimum, they must be tried and if found guilty jailed. Ideally, they must pay for the regeneration too. How can we deprive prison mosquitoes of their blood?”
Dr. Asiedu’s comments come amid a broader crackdown on galamsey, which has been a significant challenge for President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.
The Ministry of the Interior has clarified the government’s decision to deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining and other criminal activities, rather than prosecuting them in Ghana.
According to the Ministry, the approach is driven by judicial delays, national security considerations, and the need for more effective enforcement.
Since Hon. Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak took office as Minister for the Interior, over 100 foreign nationals, including Chinese citizens, have been deported for engaging in illegal mining (commonly known as galamsey) and related offenses.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
