Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Mr Mubarak Muntaka Mohammed, has issued a blunt directive to the country’s security agencies, indicating that no one is above the law when it comes to fighting illegal mining, not even those who claim to act on his authority.
Speaking at the 17th Regional Commanders’ Conference in Accra on Friday, Mr Muntaka took a firm stance against interference in anti-galamsey operations, warning law enforcement not to hesitate in arresting anyone who tries to obstruct their efforts, regardless of political affiliation or perceived influence.
He made it clear to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) that instructions to release suspects or halt operations should be treated as criminal interference.
“If anybody calls you to say I have asked that you should let go of this operation, please ensure that you arrest that person,” he charged.
“If someone calls and claims to be me, let the CID take action and arrest that person,” he added.
Mr Muntaka’s remarks come amid growing frustration over the role of political interference in undermining the fight against galamsey, as powerful figures continue to protect illegal operators in mining communities.
He firmly dismissed any suggestion that he would compromise ongoing enforcement operations.
“I will not send you into the forest only to call back and ask you to exempt someone. That will never come from me,” the Minister stressed, distancing himself from any future attempts at interference.
His no-nonsense message to the security services signals a renewed push by the government to restore credibility to its anti-galamsey campaign and clamp down on political shielding of offenders.
