Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has urged the Western Central Police Command to renew its commitment to fighting illegal mining (galamsey) without compromise.
Speaking at a meeting with police leadership in Tarkwa, Minister Nelson expressed concern over reports suggesting that some police officers may be accepting bribes from illegal miners.
He warned that Ghana’s food security is under serious threat, largely due to the devastating impact of galamsey on water bodies and arable land.
“On galamsey, there’s a lot to be done. As Regional Minister, I’ve heard both the good and the bad. While I commend your efforts, I must also highlight the negatives, particularly in the fight against galamsey. Our environment is being destroyed in the pursuit of gold and money, putting countless lives at risk,” he said.
“Some may think that if water bodies are destroyed, we can simply buy bottled water, but that is a dangerous mindset. The consequences of galamsey will ultimately affect all of us, and we are already seeing its negative impacts on our health and daily lives.”
He added, “As leaders, we must care about the communities affected by galamsey, even if we do not live there. The real question is whether we should prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability and the well-being of our communities.”
Addressing the country’s food security concerns, the Minister emphasized, “Today, our country’s food security is in serious danger. The land we once used to plant cassava and other staple crops is under threat. As you drive around, do you see thriving cassava farms anymore? It’s disheartening to witness the decline.”
He also expressed disappointment over allegations of police officers accepting bribes, noting, “Just this evening, someone called me to complain that some officers are accepting bribes, ranging from GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,000. While money is important, it is far more rewarding when earned honestly.”
Meanwhile, Western Central Police Commander, DCOP Desmond Boampong, pledged his commitment to supporting the fight against illegal mining. However, he cited intimidation from unknown individuals claiming to be members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a major challenge.
According to DCOP Boampong, these individuals harass police officers during galamsey arrests, undermining efforts to enforce the law. He appealed to the Regional Minister for assistance in addressing the issue to strengthen the fight against galamsey.
By: Ebenezer Atiemo
