National Organizer of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP), Sammi Awuku has called on government to exercise restraint in dealing with the people involved in galamsey.
He called on the government not to use a sledgehammer to whip the galamseyers into line but rather adopt a softer approach which, he believed, will equally effect the necessary changes.
He appealed to the government to guide and educate the galamseyers into doing mining the right way.
Referencing community mining, Sammi Awuku held strongly that what the galamseyers need is a better tool to engage in other alternative sources of livelihood.
He believed it is not always that a harsher punishment is the best way to change attitudes.
"Let's have some inspectors to guide these young people," he stated.
To Sammi Awuku, the fight against illegal mining will take awhile but however he was optimistic, through proper engagements with the players, it will be resolved.
"And when you engage these men, traditionally, it's difficult to change but when progress demands change, there must be. It will take awhile; this orientation. And for them to understand that there is the alternative livelihood; it can be farming. Number 2 is that we can help you to practice safe methods of mining."
He spoke to Kwami Sefa Kayi during a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme.
Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana
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Very surprise with Sam Awuku's view on how to deal with galamsey. I wish he didn't say that. These illegal activities are more than armed robbery. Officers put in charge would not enforce the laws and take bribes with impunity. My question to Awuku is: What is your solution? If you have no solution then it is better you don't speak at all. Sam Awuku has set us back as far as galamsey fight is concerned because of winning power in 2024.