'Tax for Galamsey': Prosecute illegal mining enablers - Ashigbey urges Mahama
Kenneth Ashigbey, convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, is calling for the prosecution of public officials who facilitate illegal mining, warning that the crisis has become an existential threat to Ghana's survival. He said the menace "is not just about illegal mining anymore. This is an existential threat that is eating us up." Dr. Ashigbey argued that officials who enable these activities-particularly those who authorise permits or benefit from them-must be held personally accountable under the law.
Dr. Ashigbey rejected calls for mere dismissals, insisting that sacking officials without prosecution undermines justice and emboldens others. His comments come after President John Dramani Mahama disclosed that preliminary government investigations had uncovered a long-standing practice where some district assemblies collected fees from illegal miners as a means of generating revenue. The President described the development as deeply troubling and directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to immediately halt the practice, warning that any official found to be complicit would face severe sanctions. The President's directive follow findings from the JoyNews "Tax for Galamsey" exposé, which revealed how some assemblies were charging levies on illegal mining activities.
Dr. Ashigbey maintains that sanctions alone are insufficient, arguing that the revelations point to a deeper, systemic problem that requires decisive legal action. He further warned that a genuine crackdown on galamsey would likely expose widespread complicity among public officials, but said that should not deter authorities from enforcing the law.
Quick Summary
Kenneth Ashigbey is calling for the prosecution of public officials who enable illegal mining - a crisis threatening Ghana's survival. He insists that sanctions are insufficient, hinting at a deeper, systemic problem.
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