First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei-Owusu at the initial stage of the government’s commitment in the fight against illegal mining activities pushed for a shoot-to-kill approach.
The Bekwai lawmaker, advocating for severe sanctions to be meted out to people engaged in the menace, insisted that the galamseyers should not be treated with kid’s gloves.
He insisted that if he had his own way, he would pass a legislation to exact this proposal since he believes it is the major solution to end the menace and as well deter recalcitrant miners.
Section of the public recently seemed to have subscribed to the shoot-to-kill approach after several policies by the government failed to combat illegal mining activities.
Nonetheless, the clergy and faith-based organizations think otherwise.
They have relatively challenged the government to put in place rigorous measures in arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.
Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo, questioned in a press briefing in Accra on Monday, October 17, whittled down on the shoot-to-kill approach.
He explained that it is not biblical, likewise it would not have the effect Ghana needs to end galamsey.
“Shoot to kill, would the churches support it? From my personal point of view, I will say no to shoot to kill but to arrest and prosecute that is the best way.
“‘Shoot to kill’ is not a good idea, it will not have the effect that we need to have on our country; we need our people and we need our citizens,” he reiterated.
The former chairman of the Christian Council of Ghana noted that the illegal miners are determined to make their money at every cost notwithstanding the damage they are inflicting on the environment.
He explained that a visit by the clergy to galamsey sites in the Eastern Region brought to bear the level of destruction on farm lands, forest reserves and water bodies by the miners.
He has, however, challenged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to take bold steps to stop the menace as well as ensuring that the affected areas are reclaimed to safeguard the environment.
By Maxwell Otoo|Onua FM|3news.com|Ghana