UCC lecturer proposes body cams for soldiers to combat galamsey

Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), has proposed a more proactive measure to address the challenges of galamsey.

His suggestion to the government and military hierarchy calls for the implementation of body-worn cameras on soldiers deployed to combat illegal mining activities in the country’s gold-rich regions.

Dr. Okyere’s recommendation stems from a growing concern over the integrity and accountability of military personnel engaged in operations against galamsey.

“Fix body cams on the soldiers so that everything will be recorded at a centralized point to prevent the soldiers from being compromised,” he stated during a discussion on TV3’s The Big Issue on Friday, October 11, 2024, while emphasizing the need for transparency in military operations.

Dr. Okyere’s call for body cameras reflects a broader desire for reform in the approach to tackling illegal mining.

“We need to make sure that our soldiers are operating with the highest level of integrity,” he emphasized. He made the statement following a directive from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who instructed the military to handle the menace.

On October 7, 2024, Organised Labour issued a press release demanding an immediate halt to illegal mining activities, particularly around water bodies and forest reserves.

In response, the President communicated his commitment to tackling this issue through a letter dated October 9, 2024. The President’s letter outlines specific measures aimed at curbing illegal mining and protecting the country’s natural resources.

One of the key actions announced is the deployment of additional military forces to strengthen “Operation Halt,” an ongoing initiative aimed at combating illegal mining activities.

The President has directed the Minister for Defence to ensure that these additional personnel are mobilized to enhance the effectiveness of the operation.