Member of Parliament for the Tano North Constituency, Dr. Gideon Boako, has reaffirmed his unwavering opposition to illegal mining (galamsey) activities but charged the Ghana Armed Forces to exercise restraint and respect human rights during their anti-galamsey operations in the Ahafo Region.
The MP commended the government and security agencies for their efforts to protect Ghana’s natural environment, but cautioned that such operations must not victimise innocent residents.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Thursday, Dr Boako emphasised that no one should justify or support galamsey in any form, stressing that the practice continues to endanger lives, pollute water bodies, and damage the environment.
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“Never in our wildest imagination should anybody think that galamsey must be supported in any way. We don’t want our waters polluted. We don’t want our environment destroyed. We must ensure we leave a safe and sustainable environment for future generations,” he stated.
He reiterated his long-standing stance against illegal mining, describing it as a menace that must be rooted out once and for all.
The Tano North MP, however, expressed concern over what he described as the heavy-handed approach adopted by the military in a recent swoop in parts of the Ahafo Region.
“I am worried about the manner in which the military swoop operation took place. We have had hundreds and even thousands of people whose homes were invaded and who have been taken away from the region to somewhere in the Ashanti Region,” Dr. Boako lamented.
He noted that many of those arrested were not given adequate time to prepare for their movement and stated, “Among those who have been arrested are certainly people engaged in galamsey, but there are also others who are innocent because of the manner in which the operation was conducted,” he added.
Dr. Boako urged the Ghana Armed Forces and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations before carrying out such operations, ensuring that only actual offenders are targeted.
“I am not against the military action, and I support the fight against illegal mining. What I am calling for is that we put a human face to these exercises so that innocent people are not carried away together with those truly culpable,” he stressed.
He explained that many of those affected are breadwinners whose livelihoods depend on daily labour, and that sudden arrests without proper verification cause immense hardship.
Dr. Boako urged the military to release innocent persons after investigations and to ensure that future operations are targeted and humane.
Despite his concerns, the MP expressed confidence in the Ghana Military Service, saying he believes they will act fairly and protect the rights of citizens.
“We believe in the Ghana Military Service, and just as they have done in the past, we know they will do the right thing for the people of Ahafo this time around,” he stressed.
Dr Boako reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with both the government and security forces to eradicate galamsey, while ensuring justice and fairness for all affected individuals.