The Executive Director of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awulah Serwah, has delivered a scathing rebuke to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), criticising the routine transfer of police commanders in illegal mining hotspots as an inadequate response to the growing menace.
In a fiery interview on ABC Morning, Serwah argued that simply relocating officers from mining-prone areas is inadequate and fails to address deeper issues of complicity and corruption within the police force.
“We know of some places where, close to police stations, illegal mining is taking place, and everybody is looking on,” she stated.
“But what I would say is that, rather than just transfer them, if you believe that a police commander or any police officers are either involved or complicit, they should be investigated and the law should take its course.”
Serwah’s comments reflect growing public frustration over the government’s perceived lack of commitment in tackling the root causes of environmental degradation linked to illegal mining.
Her call comes amid increasing scrutiny of the security services’ role in either enabling or turning a blind eye to galamsey activities.
Activists and civil society organisations have argued that the mere reshuffling of police personnel is a cosmetic move, shielding those who may be profiting from illegal operations while leaving affected communities to suffer the consequences.
