Spokesperson for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mahmud Kabore
Spokesperson for the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mahmud Kabore has called on the public to name individuals involved in illegal mining rather than hiding behind party lines with broad accusations.
Speaking in an interview on OTEC FM’S Dwabrem programme with Dr Cash, Mahamud Kabore stressed that tying illegal mining activities to entire political parties obstructs effective efforts to combat the problem.
Kabore challenged critics to be specific, saying, “Some blanket statements are not helping us. They should be bold enough to mention that Mahmoud Kabore is the reason the fight is difficult; that he is engaging in galamsey and this is his concession then we will invite Mahmud Kabore to assist with the investigation.
“But if we say ‘NDC,’ as it stands, the party has over 6.5 million followers, so which NDC member?”
He noted that while there are allegations involving pastors, chiefs, journalists, and politicians, the public often does not know which political parties these individuals belong to, which according undermines accountability.
Talking about the organization designated to combat illegal mining, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat, generally referred to as NAIMOS, Kabore outlined the agency’s diverse strategy.
Beyond shutting down excavator operators, NAIMOS also targets individuals who seek to pay officials or the kingpins.
He described a recent operation in Odaw Forest in which a suspect provided brand-new 1 million Ghanaian cedi notes, which were seized as evidence prior to the suspect’s arrest.
He provided examples of complicity within government ranks. He disclosed, “There are issues concerning government officials who are complicit in the matter, supported by empirical evidence.
He also revealed an incident in Ashanti Region where three national security operatives were found protecting illegal miners, leading to the revocation of their positions and ongoing prosecution.
Highlighting the role of political will, Kabore commended President John Dramani Mahama and the lands minister for their steadfast commitment to fighting illegal mining.
“President Mahama has demonstrated time and again that he possesses the political will to fight this menace. I believe that in matters of illegal mining (galamsey), the only ingredient we truly need is genuine and sincere political will, “he indicated.
He concluded by saying the current NDC administration has advised its members from participating in illicit activities by emphasising that anyone who is prepared to abide by rules can obtain lawful assistance for small-scale mining.
