NPP’s Chairman Wontumi has condemned the burning of excavators by Anti-Galamsey Task Force in their quest to curb illegal mining in the country.
He described the act as “inappropriate and barbaric” which must be condemned by all including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. John Peter Amewu.
The National Anti-Galamsey Task force, code named ‘Operation Vanguard,’ has reportedly set about 10 excavators on fire.
The incident reportedly happened when it invaded Extra Gold Company and other mining sites at Akyem-Banso and Kwabeng – all in the Atiwa District of the Eastern Region, on Tuesday.
The earth-moving equipment of at least 22 tones each were doused when a contingent of the 400 members of the task force went to the mining sites.
The team, consisting of military and police personnel, reportedly fired several gunshots at the premises of the company.
The burning of the excavators is contrary to the Minerals and Mining Act 2015 - Section 99 under Offences and Penalties states that seized equipment must be kept in the custody of the police.
Speaking on NEAT FM’s morning show ‘Ghana Montie’ - The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako urged the owners of the heavy duty machine to sue government.
“They should go to court and sue government. In as much as we are fighting against illegal mining, it is uncivilized to burn excavators whiles we can use that to work. Whoever is responsible must be identified and face the law. I have been a victim and will never support this barbaric act,” he said.
“I believe the task force members have been trained for this operation, were they advised to burn excavators? Someone must face the law for this inhumane behavior,” he told host Kwesi Aboagye.
Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Washman007
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Excavators can be used for other important assignments by the 48 Engineer Regiment/GAF and or MMDAs so why burn them? Change means doing things differently with humane attitude. Even with this anti-galamsey operations by Operation Vanguard not a single should be lost. Sensitization must be the watchword in its operations in the communities of operation. Announcing the presence of Operation Vanguard alone in a community will put away the activities of galamsey operators. MLNR and National Security should reorient the Operation Vanguard.
For once we have a leader with the will and the conviction to bring back the glory of the BLACK STAR. Mr. Antwi, you have misfired and if I am Nana's, this act alone should be the basis to sack you from the party. Who is the government and who is championing the wishes of the masses. Who told you when your acts or omissions are perpetuating crime, you have a locus to go to court. It is like saying the Armed Robber should go to court because he got shot when exchanging fire with the police force. My brother "WAKE UP AND STOP SLEEPING". Your emotions are taking over your reasoning. And please note even in Equity, it says "He who comes to Equity must come with clean Hands, and he who seeks equity must do Equity.
this wontumi guy is for once talking n-o-n***barred word***! the task force should continue destroying any equipment found at an illegal mine site and wontumi can go to hell. he talks too much. he does not appear to take note of the public sentiments against galamseyers.
Mr Wontumi: Please consider...... The dying of the innocent souls of children, men & women, who are human beings and able citizens of mother Ghana, through the pollutions of our water bodies through illegal mining and its other related activities, compared with the burning of "lifeless" excavators being used to perpetuate this heinous crimes with such impunity and disrespect for authority, which one is more serious to require a legal address. Please add some "soul & conscience" to spice your political thoughts. Thanks
If you use your car or tool for a stealing expedition and you are caught, the arresting authorities have power to impound, destroy it or show for it in court as an exhibit. So how do you sue the government for contravening government directives on illegality, Antwi bosiako? Get a lawyer to explain the crime and its effect to you. You will loose if you went to court. Illegality is illegal, period. Police can impound any contraband good and destroy it there and then, okay? Obey the law Antwi. Being an NPP man does not give impetus to commit crime. You are not above the law. Galamesey is illegal. Go to court Antwi.
The mistakes NDC did, NPP is now doing double time will tell
The excavator owners were asked to withdraw them and cease the galamsey but they refused..... I wonder if the excavators are even registered.