People Who Are Responsible for Arresting Illegal Miners Are Also Indulged in It – Nana Frimpong Ziega
The issue of illegal mining in Ghana, or “Galamsey,” has long been a thorn in the side of the nation, but recent events have brought to light a disturbing aspect of this crisis.
Over the weekend, Kwame Appiah Kubi, known as Mr. Speaker of Kesben Media, alongside Okatakyie Afrifa of ABN, arrested several Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining.
This incident sparked a discussion on Maakye Live today between Mr. Speaker and Mr. Nana Frimpong Ziega, revealing shocking truths about those who are supposed to be fighting galamsey.
Mr. Nana Frimpong Ziega shared a troubling account he received after the news broke: “A man called me after the breaking news and said, ‘If you go to Tarkwa Nsuaem, there’s a place called Top. That place is a no-go area. Within that space, even the police engage in galamsey, the chiefs and subordinates also engage in Galamsey. That place is a no-man’s land. They don’t undertake any productive activity there.
They’ve declared that place as a galamsey area, manufacturer and industry. Nobody arrests anybody. The person who is responsible for arresting also indulges in that. The person who is responsible to ensure that someone stops, is also engaged in it.'”
This revelation paints a grim picture of the situation on the ground. In certain areas, the very individuals who are supposed to enforce the law are deeply engaged in the illegal activities they are meant to prevent. This not only undermines the fight against galamsey but also raises public trust concerns in the institutions meant to protect them.
Mr. Speaker further highlighted the challenges faced during their operations, noting, “Katakyie made mention of something in the video. ‘If only what we’re doing; the people we’re fighting for, if only they would appreciate.’
Do you understand what I’m saying?” This sentiment reflects the frustration of those genuinely trying to combat illegal mining, only to be met with indifference or, worse, opposition from within the system.
He continued, “But we would do our best. This is the first site, and if you listen clearly to the tape, the culprits started mentioning names. The funny thing is that if you go to the galamsey areas, they don’t operate with their real names. So they give them their nickname. Unless you’re dealing with a foreman who has gotten himself into trouble, who would boldly mention the person’s name. We would bring you another one.”
The implications of these statements are profound. How can Ghana hope to win the fight against galamsey when the very people tasked with arresting offenders are themselves involved in the illegal trade? This deep-seated corruption and conflict of interest make it nearly impossible to eradicate illegal mining.
The government must act decisively to address these allegations and restore integrity to law enforcement. Without a firm stand against corruption within its ranks, the battle against galamsey is lost before it even begins.
The people of Ghana deserve better, and it is up to the authorities to ensure that those who enforce the law are not above it.
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Story by: Pepertual Anyimadu
