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‘Galamsey assault’: Investigate and punish ‘the rogue soldiers’
Wikipedia says, ‘a rogue’ is a dishonest or unprincipled person.
Synonyms for ‘rogue’ include; rascal, wretch, son of a bitch, vagabond, scoundrel, crook, miscreant, imp, rat and dog.
Webster’s Dictionary also defines ‘assault’ as; “make physical attack on.” Synonyms for ‘assault’ include; beat, cane, hit, punch, pummel, pound, wallop, rough up, whip, smack, thrash, abuse and molest.
Some military officers are alleged to have ‘brutally assaulted’ members of a task force set up by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to check activities of ‘galamseyers’ at Enchi and Asankragwa in the Western Region of the country.
Reportedly, the ‘unspeakable assault’ inflicted on the task force by the ‘rogue soldiers’ was recorded on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Asankragwa.
According to Ghanaweb, a lady who identified herself as Mabel Hammond , working at the Office of the President, told ‘the assaulting soldiers’ that the task force was “commissioned” by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to apprehend illegal miners, ‘on or near water bodies’ and hand them over to the police.
Media reports indicate that while the ‘rogue soldiers’ were supposedly ‘interrogating’ members of the task force, they were as well, assaulting and brutalising them in the process.
Ghanaweb says, while the so-called interrogation was on-going, sounds of whipping and commanding shouts such as, “heads-up”, “heads-up”, “heads-up”, were heard in the background.
Reportedly, ‘the rogue soldiers’ ‘arrested’ members of the task force at Wassa Akropong and after brutalising them, transported them all the way from the Western North Region to the Obuasi Central Police Station in the Central Region.
What the soldiers themselves were doing in the galamsey enclaves at that material time , is yet to be established , but a statement issued by the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr George Mireku Duker, has confirmed the appointment of the task force by the Ministry.
The statement said the task force was dispatched to Enchi upon information that some galamseyers were busy at work in the Enchi area.
According to the statement, while reporting back to Accra after their assignment in the region, the task force identified an illegal mining site along the Manso-Amenfi road and so they effected the arrest of two persons.
“The Deputy Minister in-charge of Mining was duly informed and they were advised to contact the District Chief Executive for the conveyance of the two excavators from the site to the Amenfi Central District Assembly”, the statement added.
The statement further said:”A Chinese national and a Ghanaian were arrested during the operation and handed over to the Manso-Amenfi police.
“On their way back to Accra after the arrest, some military personnel accosted them around Wassa Akropong and purportedly brutalised the team and took them to the Obuasi Central Police Station.”
Readers, do you remember Operation Vanguard? It was a military-cum police joint task force set up by President Akufo-Addo in 2017 to combat the activities of galamseyers in the country.
And who are the galamseyers? They are illegal miners spread across the country, depleting Ghana’s forest cover and destroying the nation’s precious water bodies with impunity.
As a matter of fact, many Ghanaians lauded the initial efforts of members of Operation Vanguard in checking the activities of the galamseyers. The job at hand was, no doubt , a Herculean one.
Some critics, however, say “one of the principal reasons Operation Vanguard failed ‘woefully’ was the indisputable fact that some of its members ‘balooned’ in the pockets of the illegal miners.”
The critics contend that:”Instead of defending the ‘bigger’ national interest, some of the members of Operation Vanguard were rather ‘arresting’ the gold they seized from the illegal miners and ‘detaining’ such gold in their own bags and haversacks.”
Such critics are still contending that the soldiers who assaulted the civilian task force recently set up by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, may be the direct ‘professional cousins’ of the soldiers who ‘derailed’ the ‘fire-power’ of the ‘original Operation Vanguard’.
They ask:”What was the ‘motivation’ of the soldiers in their assault on members of the civilian task force, instead of collaborating with them?
“Was it the case that the soldiers had been compromised by the illegal miners who were arrested by the task force?
“In any case, is ‘brutal assault’ the only ‘tool’ to ‘elicit’ information from ‘suspects’? “
Indeed, well-meaning Ghanaians are calling for ‘quick’ and ‘proper’ investigation into the ‘nauseating’ assault on the task force set up by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
They are of the view that the soldiers involved in the assault, must be identified and quickly investigated by the state and if found culpable, be severely dealt with according to the law.
They insist that the outcome of the investigation must be published and given wide publicity, instead of keeping it on the shelves.
Really, some Ghanaians strongly believe that the national galamsey-war will be won if there is effective collaboration between ‘carefully selected security human capital’ and the civilian population.
They assert that the state security agencies alone cannot win ‘the galamsey-war’ , insisting that” disciplined, loyal, dedicated, patriotic and nationalistic state security officers ought to be identified and selected to collaborate with carefully selected civilians to win ‘the galamsey-war’.
So, over to you; the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces and your surbodinates.
Contact email/ WhatsApp of the author:
asmahfrankg@gmail.com (0505556179)
By G. Frank Asamah
The driver stopped the vehicle at the gate of the large, fenced property along the Nsawam Highway, and Kakraba stepped out to meet the several workers who had gathered to wait for him.
He greeted them and went straight to the point.
“Gentlemen, I am glad to see that you have almost completed the clearing of the land. I’m happy to report that we have concluded all arrangements with Nana Serebour, and construction of the palace will start in a few days.
“I will need you to go and level the ground, and then come back to start this project. Some workers from a construction company will come and join us.
“My plan is to build twenty houses in four months. Then we will do twenty more until we reach two hundred.
“I am relying on you to help me deliver good-quality work to satisfy our clients and, as I have already indicated to you, I will reward you for your work.”
After an hour’s discussion, he closed the meeting and moved to drive away. Wofa Yaw drew closer.
“Director, can you please spare me five minutes? I would like to discuss a small issue.”
“Why, Wofa Yaw? Your wife has threatened to leave you?”
“No, Director. My wife will never leave me. This concerns a young niece of mine.”
“I hope it’s something I can help with. Please sit in the car and let me hear you.”
“Boss, my niece, Beesiwa, is a polytechnic graduate, very beautiful and with very good character.
“Unfortunately, her parents virtually forced her into a relationship with an idiot based in the US, which affected her badly. She has now recovered from that experience and, Boss, I am respectfully asking if you would find a job for her.
“I promise you that you will never regret it.”
“Well, Wofa Yaw, let me meet her and speak with her. I may be able to help, maybe not in the way you expect, but let me meet her.
“I will not be back here for another week, but I will be at the office throughout next week. You can come with her.”
On Monday morning, Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa were seated at the office by nine o’clock. Three young ladies welcomed them warmly, offered them soft drinks and assured them that Kakraba would be there shortly.
They then returned to their desks and sat behind computers with large screens displaying various building designs.
Kakraba walked in and greeted them warmly. After chatting briefly with the three ladies, he ushered Wofa Yaw and Beesiwa into his office.
“Director, this is my niece, Beesiwa. I mentioned her to you when you came to Nsawam.”
“Yes, indeed. Madam Beesiwa, you are very beautiful, just as your uncle said. Wofa Yaw is my colleague.
“We have just started a building project that will take about three to four years. He mentioned that you have a small problem, so I said I would like to meet you and see how I can help.
“So, Beesiwa, please tell me a little about yourself.”
Beesiwa described her childhood, her school experience, her brief work at the bank and the nasty episode with Sammy Abrokwa, which shattered her peaceful life. She also explained how she had been recovering from the experience.
“I am really sorry to hear this,” Kakraba said. “Now, here is what we are going to do.
“We are a small but very busy company. The three ladies out there spend most of the day on site and come back to report on their work in the morning.
“I have three main projects. The big one is an estate project in Nsawam, where your uncle is one of my main colleagues. I need a personal assistant who can take care of my activities, especially when I am not in town.
“Now, we will have to start with trust. Based on what I know about Wofa Yaw, and based on what you yourself have told me, I think we can start on a sound basis.
“So, Wofa Yaw will take you to my home. You can move into one of the four guest rooms.”
“Sir, I have taken some computer lessons, and I have even done graphics and web design,” Beesiwa said.
“Fantastic! I will give you a good phone and a laptop. I will also arrange computer lessons for you.”
“Now, Wofa Yaw, take her home. My sister, Kuukuwa, will meet you and show you around, and then you can return to Koforidua.
“When would you like to start work?”
“Sir, I would like to start today, but I would need to go and bring my things.”
“No problem. Take a taxi to my house, meet my sister, and let me know what you decide.”
Later that day, Kakraba and the three ladies met with some bank officials to conclude the sale of the three buildings at Adabraka.
They closed at five-thirty and, after rewarding the ladies for their hard work, Kakraba got home just after dark.
He was surprised to find Kuukuwa and Beesiwa sitting at the table enjoying supper.
“What’s happening here?” he asked. “Beesiwa, I thought you would return to Koforidua.”
“She changed her mind,” Kuukuwa said. “We went to the mall and bought a few things for her. Then we came back to cook. She has made some nice changes to your bedroom and cooked a couple of interesting dishes. Sit down; we will serve you.”
“Well, I certainly can’t refuse that. It’s been a busy day.
“So, what’s the plan now? Will Beesiwa go to Koforidua tomorrow, gather her things together and come down?”
“No, I will stay here for a while,” Beesiwa replied. “Kuukuwa bought me the things I need, so I may go back next week. I’m ready to start work. What would you like me to start with?”
“Well, you can come to the office tomorrow morning, meet the three girls and get a feel for what we do.
“Since you are living here, at least for now, we can discuss the plans for the next few weeks.
“Sometimes there are gaps when I travel up north. You can take care of things from now. I think the girls would like having someone like you around.”
By Ekow de Heer
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A frequent question following breast surgery is whether human tissue possesses the regenerative capacity to restore an excised organ.
From a strict physiological standpoint, a completely removed breast cannot regrow. Unlike certain organisms that can regenerate complex limbs or organs, adult human tissues—particularly specialised glandular structures—lack the cellular machinery required to rebuild an entire organ after its total surgical removal.
Instead, the body heals the surgical site through processes such as scar tissue formation and re-epithelialisation rather than complete cellular regeneration.
What a mastectomy actually removes
To understand why natural tissue regeneration does not occur, it is important to examine the surgical scope of a mastectomy.
Depending on the type of procedure and the medical reason for surgery, a mastectomy may involve the removal of:
Glandular architecture: The milk-producing lobules and ducts that form the functional core of the mammary gland.
Adipose tissue: The fatty tissue that contributes to breast volume, projection and contour.
Other breast tissue: The extent of tissue removal varies according to the type of mastectomy and the need to achieve appropriate surgical clearance.
Because specialised breast structures are physically removed, the body does not rebuild a complete mammary gland. Instead, healing occurs through tissue repair and scar formation.
Distinguishing residual tissue from “regrowth”
Patients or observers may notice changes in the chest area after surgery, sometimes leading to misconceptions about tissue regeneration.
Skin- and nipple-sparing procedures
Modern breast surgery may preserve the outer skin envelope or, in selected cases, the nipple-areola complex. Small amounts of breast tissue may remain depending on the surgical technique. Any changes in remaining tissue due to hormonal fluctuations represent residual tissue responding to the body, rather than the regrowth of a completely removed breast.
Adipose accumulation
Weight gain after surgery can increase the amount of subcutaneous fat across the chest wall. However, this is part of general body fat distribution and does not represent the regeneration of a mammary gland.
Modern reconstructive pathways
Because a completely removed breast does not naturally regenerate, modern medicine offers reconstructive options aimed at restoring physical symmetry, contour and body image.
The two main approaches are implant-based reconstruction and autologous, or tissue-based, reconstruction.
Implant-based reconstruction
Implant-based reconstruction uses synthetic medical devices, typically filled with silicone gel or saline, to rebuild the breast mound following a mastectomy.
The two-stage process: This approach may begin with the placement of a temporary tissue expander to gradually create space and stretch the surrounding tissues. A later procedure may then be performed to place a permanent implant.
Recovery profile: Implant-based reconstruction generally involves a shorter initial surgery and recovery period compared with procedures that require tissue to be harvested from another part of the body.
Long-term considerations: Breast implants are not lifetime devices and require ongoing medical monitoring. Some patients may need additional procedures over time because of complications or changes in the implant or surrounding tissue.
Autologous or tissue-based reconstruction
Autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own living tissue to create a new breast mound. Tissue may be transferred from another part of the body, commonly the lower abdomen, using procedures such as a DIEP flap.
Natural look and feel: Because the reconstruction uses living tissue, it can provide a natural warmth, texture and softness. The tissue may also change with the patient’s body weight over time.
Long-term durability: Once healing is complete, autologous reconstruction can provide a long-lasting result without the need to replace an implant. However, some patients may still require further procedures.
Complex surgery: This option usually involves a longer operation and recovery period. In microsurgical procedures, surgeons may need to reconnect tiny blood vessels to establish blood flow to the transferred tissue.
Direct comparison
When choosing between these two reconstructive pathways, patients and their surgical teams must consider several physical, medical and lifestyle factors.
Surgical burden: Implant surgery is generally less invasive, while flap reconstruction involves surgery at both the chest and the donor site.
Foreign material versus native tissue: Implants involve the use of a medical device, while autologous reconstruction uses the patient’s own tissue.
Recovery: The recovery timelines and rehabilitation requirements differ significantly between the two procedures.
Recovery and physical rehabilitation
Recovering from breast reconstruction requires patience, careful pacing and, in some cases, structured physical rehabilitation.
Because implant-based and autologous tissue-flap procedures involve different surgical techniques, their healing timelines and physical therapy milestones can vary considerably.
Understanding these differences is important for patients considering reconstruction, as the choice involves more than restoring physical appearance. It also requires careful consideration of recovery, long-term monitoring, lifestyle and individual medical needs.
Part 2 will examine recovery timelines, physical therapy milestones and other factors patients should consider when choosing between reconstructive options.
By Robert Ekow Grimmond-Thompson
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