Security consultant, Col. Festus Aboagye, has called out the government’s renewed anti-galamsey efforts as unclear and insufficient.
Speakig on ABC MIDDAY NEWS on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, he emphasize that the recent military deployment announced by the Ministry of Information lacks specificity and could lead to confusion on the ground.
“The government needs to be a bit more explanatory with what exactly they will be doing,” he stated, highlighting the need for detailed rules of engagement to guide the Armed Forces.
“We need clarity of the rules of engagement, so we don’t shoot to kill,” he emphasized.
Col. Aboagye expressed disappointment over the government’s October 9th statement, which he described as misleading and not reflective of the current situation.
“Some time back, the government recalled the armed forces from the operation,” he noted, adding that no military forces are presently engaged in the fight against illegal mining. He further asserted that, “It is misleading for the government to say ‘it’s continuing efforts.’”
The security expert believes the narrative presented by the government contradicts its past actions, leaving the public skeptical.
While the government has announced a deployment of 200 military personnel under “Operation Halt,” aimed at cracking down on illegal mining, Col. Aboagye insists this move lacks a comprehensive strategy.
“What exactly are the forces supposed to do? Are they to arrest the illegal miners, confiscate their equipment?” he questioned, warning that without a solid framework, this operation might become another failed attempt.
According to him, the letter from the Ministry has “nothing substantial” and is merely “a statement to assuage those who are threatening to go on strike.”
Meanwhile, public concerns continue to mount as organized labour threatens a nationwide strike over the government’s handling of the galamsey menace.
The unions are demanding the repeal of LI 2462, which permits mining in forest reserves, and a temporary ban on small-scale mining.
