Member of Parliament for Ghana’s Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, has condemned the recent military operation in the Ahafo Region over the treatment of innocent civilians caught up in the military’s recent operation to combat illegal mining, known as Galamsey, in the Ahafo region.
While welcoming efforts to curb the destructive practice, the legislator appealed to the Ghana Armed Forces to exercise caution and precision in their operations, citing instances where innocent people, including pregnant women and young people, were swept up in the crackdown.
“I’m not against the action by the military, but I am calling for a human face to be put on these exercises,” Mr. Boako said.
“Innocent people are being carried away together with those truly culpable. We need a targeted approach, proper investigation, and to go after the right people, not innocent ones.”he indicated.
The Honourable Member’s appeal comes after hundreds of people were transported from Ahafo to the Ashanti region, with some allegedly being taken from their homes without warning or preparation.
“We appreciate the Ghana Armed Forces, but we urge them to do the right thing and protect the rights of innocent citizens,” the leader said.
“Many of those affected are breadwinners, and their main intention was to provide for their families. They were not intentionally involved in Galamsey.”
The Ghana Military Service has been tasked with combating Galamsey, which has ravaged Ghana’s environment and polluted its waterways. However, the leader’s call highlights the need for a more nuanced approach that balances enforcement with human rights concerns.
Whereas the Military had acknowledged the concerns and assured the public that they are committed to conducting operations in a professional and humane manner.
Story by Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
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