The former Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on illegal mining, Professor Frimpong-Boateng, says he did not feel protected in his fight against illegal mining in the country.

The issue of illegal mining has been on the front burner for decades, due to its devastating effects on the environment; especially water bodies nationwide.

As a result, the seasoned heart surgeon was appointed by President Akufo-Addo to lead government's charge in combating the menace.

But in a twist of events, Professor Frimpong-Boateng was removed from office and replaced by Kweku Asamoah-Cheremeh. This sparked speculation over the possible causes of his removal.

Later, he released a report where he mentioned some government officials as being involved in illegal mining across the country.

This was fiercely resisted by some government officials who rubbished his report; including Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.

Recounting his ordeals to Evans Mensah in an exclusive interview on JoyNews, he stressed that he did not get the needed support while serving as the Chairman of the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

"I did not get the protection that I needed from whoever to carry out this very difficult job", he decried.

According to him he was determined to do good but lacked the needed backing.

The embattled surgeon also noted that he feels victimised by the treatment he has received so far; adding that he does not understand why he has been 'demonised'.

It will be recalled that Professor Frimpong-Boateng received an invitation from the Special Prosecutor a few weeks ago, over his report on the dissolved Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM).

He was then granted bail over his purported arrest.

Meanwhile, the Special Prosecutor says it will take action against all persons cited for wrongdoing in the controversial report.

In a statement on May 2, the OSP said it will take “necessary action”, against all persons implicated in the report authored by the renowned heart surgeon.