Security expert Professor Kwasi Aning has criticised the directive to transfer all police commanders stationed in mining communities, warning that the policy, particularly its handling of foreign nationals involved in galamsey, could ultimately destroy the country.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, April 8, he described the Interior Minister’s decision as “populist,” “unthoughtful,” and “a disgrace,” arguing that it fails to address the root causes of illegal mining and sends a dangerous message to transnational criminal elements.
“I have absolutely no sympathy,” he said.
“I detest being an independent Ghanaian in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana and being treated like a second-class citizen. And let me appeal to the President directly; Mr. President, rescind this policy before this country is destroyed.”
The policy in question, announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, directs the Inspector General of Police to immediately transfer all regional, divisional, and district police commanders who have served for long periods in mining areas without showing significant progress in the fight against illegal mining.
In a further controversial move, the Minister said that foreign nationals caught engaging in galamsey would be deported without prosecution.
Prof. Aning condemned the deportation approach as not only ineffective but deeply damaging to Ghana’s sovereignty and justice system.
“This is a policy that will serve as an attraction for even worse criminals to come,” he warned.
“They know we don’t have the capacity to prosecute them. They know we don’t have the political will to do what is right for the people of this country.”
[embedded content]He challenged the President to make his final term count, stating that the current approach falls drastically short of the promises made in the State of the Nation Address.
“This is your legacy term—let it matter and let it count,” he implored. “Your minister has demonstrated an unwillingness and a reluctance to hold the bull by the horns and resolve this crisis.”
While he acknowledged that some changes in police deployment could be beneficial, he stressed that arbitrary transfers without resources and proper accountability structures would be meaningless.
“I think it’s useful that we give the police officers performance indicators,” Prof. Aning said.
“But we need to give them the resources, Your Excellency, so that the three months can be tested and their results checked.”
He didn’t hold back on what he sees as the broader implications of the policy.
“We cannot have a two-tier law. We cannot have a two-tier implementation process. The manner in which this has been presented to the Republic of Ghana is shameful. It is not thought through. It is populist, and it is a disgrace.”
Prof. Aning concluded with a passionate plea to President Mahama to stay true to his earlier commitments to the environment and national integrity.
“Let this be your legacy term by reclaiming the environment, as you promised the people of Ghana in your State of the Nation Address. We cannot afford more half-measures.”
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