Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has thrown his support behind the Inspector General of Police’s (IGP) decision to withdraw the task force that had been enforcing environmental regulations in mining communities, particularly in the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to the minister, while the task force was effective in carrying out its operations, its approach sidelined key local stakeholders such as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), regional ministers, and traditional authorities.
He explained that such an approach weakened the effectiveness of security interventions.
Dr. Amoakohene stressed that security management cannot be centralised since community relations are built on dialogue and collaboration at the local level.
He added that with the new reforms, the government will be able to better integrate community structures, giving locals a greater sense of ownership in the fight against illegal mining and environmental destruction.
