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President John Dramani Mahama has sent a strong warning to community members who attack security officers on illegal mining duties, stressing that such offenders will face the full rigors of the law.
The president’s caution follows a recent attack on members of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), the Environmental Protection Authority, and some journalists by residents of a mining community during an official operation.
Describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable, President Mahama said the government will not relent in its fight against illegal mining, which continues to destroy the nation’s water bodies and environment.
Speaking at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held in Kumasi, the president also pledged to take care of the medical bills of the injured journalists who were attacked during the operation.
“Any community member who attacks security officers on duty will be dealt with according to the law. The government remains resolute in ending illegal mining once and for all.”
Meanwhile, the president of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Albert Dwumfour, has called on the executive to consider establishing a special court to speed up the trial of illegal mining offenders as a deterrent to others. He also urged the government to take bold steps to end the menace.
“We must take decisive action against illegal mining. A special court will help bring swift justice and discourage such acts.”
Speaking at the event, the Acting Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, emphasized the need for a strong and strategic partnership among the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Media, and Civil Society Organizations to sustain the fight against illegal mining.
He noted that each arm of government must perform its duty with integrity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law to achieve lasting results.
The 29th GJA Awards celebrated excellence in journalism under the theme “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security, and the Fight Against Galamsey.”
By Enock Baffoe/uniquenewsgh.com
