W/Regional Minister slams police officers allegedly accepting bribes from illegal miners

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, urged the Western Central Police Command to improve their efforts against illegal mining. He emphasized the need for integrity in their fight against galamsey.

"There's much work to be done on galamsey," he stated. As Regional Minister, he has heard both positive and negative feedback. While he praised some efforts, he also pointed out serious issues in combating illegal mining.

"Our environment is suffering due to gold mining," he said. This activity puts lives at risk and harms natural resources.

He reminded the police that their fight should prioritize the nation’s interests. They must resist temptations from illegal mining operators.

“It saddens me when I hear of compromised officers,” he added. Recently, someone reported that officers accept bribes between GH₵2,000 and GH₵3,000. He stressed that honest earnings are more rewarding than quick money.

DCOP Desmond Boampong leads the Western Central Police Command. The Minister expressed concern over reports of bribery among officers involved with illegal miners.

During a meeting in Tarkwa on April 17, Mr. Nelson warned about threats to food security and livelihoods due to galamsey's impact on water bodies and farmland. He urged police actions to reflect these serious concerns.

“As leaders, we must care about affected areas,” he said. He questioned whether short-term gains should outweigh long-term community well-being.

As Chairman of the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), Mr. Nelson pledged strong leadership against environmental destruction caused by galamsey.

“Some may think bottled water is an option if water bodies are destroyed,” he noted. However, this mindset is dangerous as galamsey affects everyone’s health and lives.

He called on police to act responsibly without needing specific instructions or compromising standards for personal gain.

Finally, he encouraged Ghanaians to support government efforts against illegal mining. This issue poses significant risks to society, livelihoods, the environment, and food security in Ghana.