Investigate arrested Togolese nationals engaged in illegal mining - Dr. Ayew Afriye urges National Security

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the Middle Belt Coordinator for the New Patriotic Party Campaign, has called on National Security to investigate arrested Togolese nationals engaged in illegal mining and environmental destruction in the Eastern region.

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Effiduase-Asokore constituency, mentioned that the Togolese suspects were arrested by the Small Scale Miners Association, who then handed them over to the police.

During the interrogation, the suspects identified three individuals, Noah, J.J., and an Assemblyman, all affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as financiers and equipment suppliers for the illegal operations.

Dr. Ayew Afriye stated in an interview 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 promoting public discussions on galamsey to discredit the NPP government, despite their own involvement in illicit mining activities.

“I urge the police and national security agencies to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice to deter others from engaging in illegal acts that harm the environment,” the MP emphasized.

He warned against politicizing the anti-galamsey efforts, emphasizing that “this would hinder progress, and I urge Ghanaians and civil society organizations to expose those involved in 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 government efforts to clamp down on galamsey activities, the illegal act continues to increase.