The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu has accused sections of the Ghana Armed Forces High command of providing cover for galamsey operators in hard-hit areas.
He alleged the said military command has without authorization, deployed personnel to protect galamsey operators in parts of the Ashanti region where his team is touring.
In an interview with Citi News, John Peter Amewu called for an immediate probe into the matter.
“The law enforcement agency, especially the Military are protecting an illegality and I think that it is time the truth be told. Most of the sites we visited today were heavily manned by the military command and I was wondering under what circumstances [were they undertaking this exercise] because my outfit had under no circumstance signed any contract with the military to protect those illegality.
“We tried finding out from the Minerals Commission and the Minerals Commission has established beyond all reasonable doubt that they have never under any occasion established any contract with those military and so whoever authorised those military to be protecting the Russian and Ukranian sites, I think it is time, those people answer very important questions.
I don’t think the military will be doing those protections because they are military and of course they will be paid handsome reward for those activities they are undertaking…Until the law enforcement agencies begin to take this action seriously I don’t think there is anyway we will achieve our objective.”
Small-scale mining company shut down; Russian, Ukrainian operators arrested
Meanwhile the Minister has ordered the foreign-operated Geo Professional Services to shut down with immediate effect, following a tour of some mining sites.
The Minister has also ordered the arrest of the foreigners involved, including two Russians and two Ukrainians.
The mining firm was found to be using licenses of three local mining companies to mine at Tontokrom in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region. The company is to reclaim all disturbed lands and provide evidence to the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission of the restoration.
The company was issued with the “stop work order” by the Inspection Directorate of the Minerals Commission on May 18 but disregarded directives and continued mining.
Source: citifmonline.com
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Thumps up for you Minister. I weep for Ghana and i fear for my future generations. Corruptions is being accepted everywhere we go. We have refused to punish culprits of corruption and its looks as if we are all being dragged into disgraceful acts of corruption. God help us. I cant bear it any longer. I am so sad
here we are congratulating Amewu alone. my question is who broke the news first that the millitary are also offering protection for this illegal activity? The answer is Yasmin but people castigated him for saying so. Lets give credit to all. Kudos Yasmin. Kudos Amewu
This is very serious. The Army High Command must respond quickly.
I couldnt but to add my voice to congratulate Hon. Peter Amewu for the good. The bst Minister so far. Please Akuffo Addo, kindly call the military high command to answer some serious questions and please dont fail us. We know you can make Ghana work again that is why soem of us voted for you. Please, Please please.
Mr Amewu you are doing a great job but certain ***barred word*** individuals who are seeking their personal interest only are going to target you. BECAREFUL and ensure you have very good protection at all times. This advice is by common sense only.
I have always believe the Ghana Arm Forces is one of the most corrupt state Institutions but because they do not interact with the public,they do not come to the fore,Some element within protect Landguards,Galamseyers and other Criminals alike.
GOD WILL SEE YOU THROUGH, GOD BLESS YOU
A VERY GREAT JOB DONE HONORABLE AMENWU MAY GOD GUIDE AND PROTECT YOU TO BE ABLE TO EXECUTE THIS IDEAS OR WORK PROPERLY GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS GHANA.
Mr Amenwu is doing a great hands on work for Ghana but the question is why is the Ghana Army who are suppose to protect our security protecting these galamasey operators ; to me the High Command of the Army should be summouned by Nana Addo to explain why the Ghana army are protecting such EVIL business ; for me; these soldiers should arrested and charged for obstructing the national interest ; GREAT INITIATIVE MR AMENWU !!!!!
Good work sir.