Security analyst Dr Adam Bonaa has said that the police who are tasked with protecting the environment from illegal mining, galamsey, are rather shielding the people who are engaging in this destructive activity.

According to him, the police officials arrested for their involvement in protecting illegal miners at Juaboso should be held accountable under the law. He said the scope of the investigation should also be broadened since there are others involved.

Speaking on JoyNews, Dr Bonaa suggested that this corruption may be linked to higher authorities, who may also be involved in illegal mining activities.

“These people should be punished severely. They should face the law courts together with all the people involved and it should not just be limited to just the police officers.”

He stated that it is unlikely that illegal mining could be taking place without the knowledge of the District Security Council.

He states that, if the District Chief Executive claims they lack knowledge about this illegal activity, it shows how incompetent they are.

“I’m waiting for one person to come and tell me that, the District Chief Executive in the area does not know that this mining is going on. If he can come and say that he is not aware of the mining going on, in that area, in his locality. Then I will say he is not fit for the job. He should be fired.”

In addition to his suggestion that the District Security Council should be held accountable, Dr. Bonaa also called for the interrogation of various police officers in the area, including the District Police Commander, the Divisional Police Commander, and the Regional Police Commander.