President Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that the police will be given a free hand to investigate circumstances leading to some missing excavators in the fight against galamsey.
Some 500 excavators are reported missing leading to the arrest of six persons including a former executive of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ekow Ewusi.
Addressing parliament on Thursday in his final State of the Nation Address in his first term, President Akufo-Addo said no member of his government will be shielded if found culpable in the missing excavators saga.
“Our battle was not against mining itself. It would be unrealistic to suggest that there should be no mining in Ghana. However, taking the minerals out should not lead to the pollution of our water bodies and the destruction of our forests.
“The Police have arrested some of the culprits and investigations are still ongoing. No one involved will be shielded no matter their position or political colours,” he said.
The assurance from the President comes in the wake of reports of official complicity in the missing exacavators.
Some leading members of the ruling party have pointed accusing fingers at the Lands and Environment Minister Prof. Frimpong Boateng of being an accomplice in the scandal.
The opposition NDC has also called on government to account for the 900 excavators which have been seized since the fight against illegal mining started.
Source: Daily Mail GH
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