Security analyst Professor Kwasi Aning has criticised government’s new directive to arrest and deport foreign nationals involved in illegal mining without prosecuting them.
He warned that such a policy will embolden even more dangerous criminals and deepen public distrust in Ghana’s justice system.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, April 8, Prof. Aning lashed out at what he described as a discriminatory and ill-conceived approach to law enforcement.
He accused the Interior Ministry of promoting a two-tier legal system that treats Ghanaians as second-class citizens in their own country.
“I have absolutely no sympathy. I detest being an independent Ghanaian in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana being treated like a second-class citizen,” Prof. Aning declared passionately.
“We cannot have a two-tier law. We cannot have a two-tier implementation process.”
The backlash follows the announcement by Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak directing the Inspector General of Police to immediately transfer all regional, divisional, and district police commanders in mining areas.
[embedded content]This is an attempt, the minister said, to reinvigorate the fight against illegal mining by replacing long-serving officers who have failed to stem the tide of galamsey.
But it was the policy to deport foreign nationals involved in the crime without prosecution that drew the sharpest rebuke from Prof. Aning.
“This is a policy that will serve as an attraction for even worse criminals to come, because they know we don’t have the capacity to prosecute them,” he warned.
“They know we don’t have the political will to do what is right for the people of this country.”
Directly addressing President John Mahama, the security expert made an emotional appeal.
“Mr. President, this is your legacy term, let it matter and let it count. Your minister has demonstrated an unwillingness and a reluctance to hold the bull by the horns and resolve this crisis. This is not a time to proceed. Please rescind this policy before this country is destroyed.”
According to Prof. Aning, such a move not only sends the wrong message to Ghanaians but also signals weakness to international criminal networks that thrive on impunity.
“The manner in which this has been presented to the Republic of Ghana is shameful. Mr. President, it is not thought through. It is populist, and it’s a disgrace.”
While acknowledging that the reassignment of police commanders could yield results, Prof. Aning stressed that success hinges on measurable performance targets and proper resourcing—not knee-jerk decisions.
“I think it’s useful. We need to give the police officers performance indicators, but we need to give them the resources, Your Excellency, so that the three months can be tested and their results checked.”
He urged the President to recall his promise to Ghanaians and to make environmental reclamation and justice a defining feature of his final term in office.
“Let this be your legacy term by reclaiming the environment, as you promised the people of Ghana in your State of the Nation Address.”
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