The Member of Parliament for Afadjato South, Frank Afriyie, has called for the immediate removal of police commanders and other security leaders stationed in areas where illegal mining continues unchecked.
According to him, the continued presence of security officials in communities heavily affected by galamsey, despite ongoing operations, raises serious questions about their effectiveness and accountability.
Mr. Afriyie argued that commanders who fail to curb illegal mining activities within their jurisdictions should not remain in office, emphasizing that enforcing the law is a fundamental responsibility of their positions.
“You have no duty being a police commander if you cannot carry out this basic responsibility of checking those involved in galamsey,” he stated.
The lawmaker also urged the National House of Chiefs to play a stronger role in tackling the menace by ensuring traditional authorities are held accountable for activities taking place within their jurisdictions.
“We must appeal to the National House of Chiefs so that specific KPIs will be given to chiefs. Anything that goes on in your jurisdiction, you must be responsible for it,” he said.
Mr. Afriyie further commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for taking decisive action against chiefs implicated in illegal mining, and called for similar measures to be adopted across the country to strengthen the national fight against galamsey.
CNR
