The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has called on the Western Central Police Command of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to live above reproach and rededicate themselves to fighting illegal mining in the area.

"On galamsey, there’s a lot to be done. As Regional Minister, I have heard both the good and the bad. While I have commended your efforts, I need to highlight the negative aspects, especially regarding the fight against galamsey", he said.

"Our environment is being destroyed in the name of finding gold and making money, putting lives at risk."

To this end, he told the police command that the fight against illegal mining must be undertaken with the nation at heart, and without being compromised by the filthy temptations of these illegal mining operators.

“When I hear that some of you are compromised in the fight against galamsey, I’m saddened. Just this evening, someone called me to complain that some officers are accepting bribes, ranging from GH₵2,000 to GH₵3,000. Whilst money is important, it’s more fulfilling when earned honestly,” he noted.

He expressed concern that there have been numerous reports suggesting that some of the men in uniform are being compromised by the visible monetary temptations of these illegal mining operators and their financiers, and therefore, many officers have reportedly been accepting bribes from them.

At a meeting with the police leadership in Tarkwa, on Thursday April 17, in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region, Mr Nelson warned that Ghana’s food security, environment, and livelihoods remain under serious threat due to the devastating impact of galamsey on water bodies and arable land, and therefore, that should inform the actions and inaction of the police command.

“As leaders, we must care about the areas affected by galamsey, even if we don’t live there. The question is: should we prioritise short-term gains over long-term sustainability and the well-being of our communities?” he asked.

As Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) of both Western Central and Western Regional commands, the Minister said his administration would lead the battle against this wanton environmental destruction with audacity and authority.

“Some might think, if water bodies are destroyed, we can afford bottled water. But that’s an unfortunate mindset. Galamsey’s consequences will ultimately affect us all, and we’re already seeing its negative impact on our health and lives,” he said.

Consequently, he appealed to the police to do their part without being told exactly what to do, and without compromising professional standards for material gain.

He also called on Ghanaians to rally behind the government to win the war against the widespread illegal mining menace, which is becoming a pandemic, knowing the potential repercussions it has on Ghanaian society, livelihoods, the environment, and food security in the country.