Tano North MP Gideon Boako Warns: Avoid Arresting Innocent People in Fight Against Galamsey in Ahafo Region

Introduction

In the ongoing battle against galamsey—Ghana’s term for illegal small-scale gold mining—Tano North Member of Parliament (MP) Dr. Gideon Boako has issued a strong appeal. He urges the Ghana Armed Forces and security agencies to safeguard civilian rights during anti-galamsey operations in the Ahafo Region. This comes after a joint police-military raid in Kenyasi and Hwediem that led to multiple arrests and the tragic death of one civilian.

Galamsey has long plagued Ghana, causing severe environmental damage, water pollution, and health risks due to mercury use and deforestation. Government efforts, including Operation Halt and the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), aim to curb it. However, Boako emphasizes that enforcement must not trample on the rights of innocent Ghanaians. This article explores the MP’s statements, the context of illegal mining in Ghana, and lessons for balanced anti-galamsey strategies.

Background on Galamsey and Recent Operations

Galamsey involves unregulated artisanal mining, often using excavators and chemicals, contrasting with licensed large-scale mining. In Ahafo, a gold-rich area, operations target suspects who allegedly detained NAIMOS personnel. Boako, from the Minority side in Parliament, supports the crackdown but calls for precision to avoid harming non-culpable residents.

Analysis

Dr. Gideon Boako’s intervention highlights a critical tension in Ghana’s fight against illegal mining: aggressive enforcement versus human rights protection. The Kenyasi and Hwediem operation on Wednesday displaced thousands, with homes invaded suddenly and detainees transported to the Ashanti Region without preparation time. Boako notes that while some arrestees are galamsey perpetrators, others—including women, youth, and breadwinners—are likely innocent.

This reflects broader challenges in anti-galamsey campaigns. Security forces often conduct sweeping raids in mining hotspots to dismantle equipment and arrest operators. However, without prior intelligence, such actions risk collateral damage. Boako advocates for operations with a “human face,” meaning thorough pre-raid investigations to target only the guilty. He trusts the Ghana Armed Forces to release innocents post-investigation but warns of rights violations if errors persist.

Impacts on Local Communities

In Ahafo Region, many residents rely on small-scale mining for livelihoods amid economic hardships. Unintended arrests disrupt families, as breadwinners face detention. The reported civilian death underscores operational risks, fueling public distrust. Boako’s stance pedagogically reminds enforcers that sustainable anti-galamsey success requires community buy-in, not alienation.

Summary

Tano North MP Dr. Gideon Boako appealed to security forces following a joint operation in Ahafo’s Kenyasi and Hwediem, where arrests occurred amid one civilian fatality. He supports curbing galamsey but insists on protecting innocents through proper targeting and investigations. Key message: Fight illegal mining humanely to uphold civilian rights in Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To balance anti-galamsey enforcement with rights protection, security agencies can adopt these verifiable best practices drawn from Ghana’s security protocols and international standards.

Pre-Operation Strategies

Conduct intelligence-led planning: Use NAIMOS data, community intel, and surveillance to identify galamsey sites precisely. Engage local leaders for tips, reducing blind raids.

During Operations

Announce presence clearly, allow time for compliance, and separate suspects on-site. Document all actions with body cams or logs to ensure accountability.

Post-Operation Measures

Prioritize swift investigations by Ghana Police Service. Release verified innocents promptly, providing transport and aid. Offer compensation for verified wrongful detentions under existing guidelines.

For Communities

Report galamsey tips anonymously via NAIMOS hotlines. Participate in legal small-scale mining cooperatives to avoid illegality.

Points of Caution

Dr. Boako’s warnings highlight risks in hasty anti-galamsey actions:

• Rights violations from untargeted arrests erode public trust in institutions like the Ghana Armed Forces.
• Displacing breadwinners without preparation causes economic hardship in mining-dependent areas like Ahafo.
• Failing investigations prolong innocent suffering, potentially leading to legal challenges.
• Broad sweeps may drive galamsey underground, complicating long-term eradication.

Enforcers must heed: Precision prevents backlash, ensuring sustainable progress against illegal mining in Ghana.

Comparison

Comparing Ahafo’s operation to others reveals patterns in Ghana’s galamsey fight.

Vs. Ashanti Region Efforts

Ashanti raids, like those in Obuasi, have seized equipment effectively but faced similar civilian complaints. Ahafo’s inter-regional transfers (to Ashanti) add unique displacement issues.

Vs. Eastern Region Operations

Eastern ops, such as in Akwatia, emphasized community sensitization pre-raids, yielding fewer innocence claims than Ahafo’s surprise tactics.

National Trends

Since 2022, over 1,000 anti-galamsey arrests nationwide (per official reports), but conviction rates hover at 40%, indicating many innocents released—echoing Boako’s concerns.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution (Articles 12, 14, 19) mandates rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and freedom from arbitrary arrest. The Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act requires reasonable suspicion for detentions, with 48-hour court remands.

In galamsey cases, the Minerals and Mining Act (2006) criminalizes illegal operations, but security must follow Police Service Act protocols. Wrongful arrests invite habeas corpus suits or CHRAJ complaints. Boako’s appeal aligns with these: Pre-investigation raids risk Article 14 breaches. Courts have ruled against mass arrests without evidence, as in 2023 Ahafo cases.

International Alignment

Ghana’s obligations under ICCPR reinforce due process, applicable here.

Conclusion

Dr. Gideon Boako’s call as Tano North MP underscores a vital truth: Ghana’s war on galamsey succeeds only with humanity. By prioritizing intelligence, rights, and investigations in Ahafo Region and beyond, authorities can dismantle illegal mining without alienating communities. This balanced approach protects the environment, economy, and democracy—key to eradicating galamsey sustainably.

FAQ