News
Mr President, rescind this policy before Ghana is destroyed– Prof. Aning’s plea over galamsey directive
Security expert Professor Kwasi Aning has criticised government’s new policy in handling of foreign nationals involved in galamsey, which he said could ultimately destroy the country.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, April 8, he described the Interior Minister’s decision as “populist,” “unthoughtful,” and “a disgrace,” arguing that it fails to address the root causes of illegal mining and sends a dangerous message to transnational criminal elements.
“I have absolutely no sympathy,” he said.
“I detest being an independent Ghanaian in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana and being treated like a second-class citizen. And let me appeal to the President directly; Mr. President, rescind this policy before this country is destroyed.”
The policy in question, announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, directs the Inspector General of Police to immediately transfer all regional, divisional, and district police commanders who have served for long periods in mining areas without showing significant progress in the fight against illegal mining.
In a further controversial move, the Minister said that foreign nationals caught engaging in galamsey would be deported without prosecution.
Prof. Aning condemned the deportation approach as not only ineffective but deeply damaging to Ghana’s sovereignty and justice system.
“This is a policy that will serve as an attraction for even worse criminals to come,” he warned.
“They know we don’t have the capacity to prosecute them. They know we don’t have the political will to do what is right for the people of this country.”
He challenged the President to make his final term count, stating that the current approach falls drastically short of the promises made in the State of the Nation Address.
“This is your legacy term—let it matter and let it count,” he implored. “Your minister has demonstrated an unwillingness and a reluctance to hold the bull by the horns and resolve this crisis.”
While he acknowledged that some changes in police deployment could be beneficial, he stressed that arbitrary transfers without resources and proper accountability structures would be meaningless.
“I think it’s useful that we give the police officers performance indicators,” Prof. Aning said.
“But we need to give them the resources, Your Excellency, so that the three months can be tested and their results checked.”
He didn’t hold back on what he sees as the broader implications of the policy.
“We cannot have a two-tier law. We cannot have a two-tier implementation process. The manner in which this has been presented to the Republic of Ghana is shameful. It is not thought through. It is populist, and it is a disgrace.”
Prof. Aning concluded with a passionate plea to President Mahama to stay true to his earlier commitments to the environment and national integrity.
“Let this be your legacy term by reclaiming the environment, as you promised the people of Ghana in your State of the Nation Address. We cannot afford more half-measures,” he concluded.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Hot!
Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
Hot!
NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
