Investigate Togolese nationals engaged in illegal mining – Dr Ayew Afriyie urges National Security
Middle Belt Coordinator for the New Patriotic Party Campaign, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, has called on National Security to investigate arrested Togolese nationals engaged in illegal mining and environmental destruction in the Eastern region.
Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore constituency, said the Togolese suspects were arrested by the Small Scale Miners Association, who handed them over to the police.
He said during interrogation, the suspects named three individuals, Noah, J.J., and one Assemblyman, all affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as financiers and equipment suppliers for the illegal operations.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie in an interview stated that while J.J. and the Assemblyman are currently at large, Noah was apprehended en route to supply changfan machines to the illegal miners.
He accused the NDC of fueling public discussions on galamsey to discredit the NPP government, despite their own involvement in illicit mining activities.
“I plead with the police and national security agencies to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice, to deter other people from the illegal acts to save the environment,” the MP emphasized.
He warned against politicizing the anti-galamsey efforts, stressing that “this would hinder progress, and I urge Ghanaians and civil society organizations to take an interest in exposing those behind illegal mining”.
Galamsey mining activities in Ghana pose significant environmental, health, and economic challenges.
The practice, which involves illegal small-scale mining, has devastated forests, farmland, and water systems, leading to water scarcity, chronic diseases, and damage to cocoa production.
Despite efforts by the government to clamp down on galamsey activities, the illegal act continues to increase.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
