'Mr President, rescind this policy before Ghana is destroyed' – Prof. Aning's plea over galamsey directive

Security expert Professor Kwasi Aning has criticized a new directive. This directive orders the transfer of all police commanders in mining communities. He warns that this policy could harm the country, especially regarding foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.

On Joy News’ PM Express, he called the Interior Minister’s decision “populist” and “unthoughtful.” He believes it does not address illegal mining's root causes. He also thinks it sends a dangerous message to criminals.

“I have absolutely no sympathy,” he stated. He expressed frustration about being treated like a second-class citizen in Ghana. He urged the President to rescind this policy before it harms the nation.

The policy was announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak. It instructs the Inspector General of Police to transfer commanders who have served long without progress against illegal mining.

Additionally, foreign nationals caught in galamsey will be deported without prosecution. Prof. Aning condemned this approach as ineffective and damaging to Ghana’s sovereignty.

“This policy will attract worse criminals,” he warned. They know Ghana lacks the capacity to prosecute them effectively.

He challenged the President to make his final term impactful. The current approach does not meet promises made in the State of the Nation Address.

“This is your legacy term—let it matter,” he implored. He criticized the minister for not addressing this crisis properly.

While some changes in police deployment may help, he emphasized that arbitrary transfers are meaningless without resources and accountability structures.

“We need performance indicators for police officers,” Prof. Aning said.

He stressed that they must also receive adequate resources for effective results within three months.

Prof. Aning highlighted broader implications of this policy as well. “We cannot have a two-tier law or implementation process,” he stated.

He described how this directive is shameful and poorly thought out, calling it populist and disgraceful.

In conclusion, he passionately urged President Mahama to honor his commitments to environmental integrity and national welfare.

“Let this be your legacy term by reclaiming the environment as promised,” he said, emphasizing that half-measures are unacceptable.