Sack MMDCEs and Regional Ministers in galamsey areas

Senior Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as well as Regional Ministers in areas where illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, is rampant.

According to him, government officials at the local and regional levels have failed in their duty to halt the destruction of lands and water bodies caused by the menace.

In a social media post on Thursday, October 2, the policy analyst argued that if the fight against galamsey is truly a national priority, then accountability must begin with those in charge of affected jurisdictions.

“Sack DCEs and Regional Ministers in galamsey areas…If galamsey is serious, let us treat it as if it is,” he suggested.

The IMANI Vice President explained that his call formed part of a broader list of proposals he has repeatedly presented to government over the years to help curb illegal mining.

Mr. Bentil further indicated that while he would not attend the scheduled civil society dialogue on galamsey with President Mahama, he is confident that other advocacy voices at the table would continue to push the right agenda.

He stressed, however, that ultimate responsibility rests with the President and his government.

“We are not all responsible for dealing with this. The President and his government are. We can only crusade, and we have been doing that,” he added.