The government has deployed some 200 police officers to provide security for large-scale mining companies across the country.
The deployment took place yesterday after the officers were taken through a 10-day redeployment training programme on courses such as mineral law, voluntary principles, human rights, officer safety, weapon handling and use of minimum force, among other things.
Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister-Designate of Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, said the event was very important and that the Akufo-Addo led government is determined to ensure that the country gets “a viable and sustainable mining industry to mutually benefit the state and the investment community”.
He commended the five-member committee inaugurated by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, to oversee the provision of security for the mines, and urged them to continue their good work to ensure sustainability.
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Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Supt Henry Ayisi Mensah admonished the officers to exhibit professionalism at all levels and not to condone and connive in illegalities.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr Sulemana Koney, expressed the Chamber’s appreciation to the government for agreeing to provide security for mining companies.
He explained that the mining industry continues to support the economy, adding that the mineral resources are held in trust by the President for the people.
He further assured the trainees that they have the backing of the Chamber of Mines while on duty at the mine.
The 10-day special training for the 200 police officers, drawn from all 16 regions of the country, took place from the 24th of April to 5th May 2021.
Also present at the passing out ceremony were the Deputy Minister-Designate of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar; Technical Director for Mines at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Awuah; and the Director of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), Chief Supt Theodore Hlormenu.
National security operatives
Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Police Command has transferred the 14 self-styled National Security operatives allegedly caught in galamsey activities to the Police headquarters in Accra for further probe.
According to news reports, the suspects were arrested by some youth for allegedly engaging in illegal mining in the Atewa forest.
The 14 were among 19 persons arrested on Monday at Akyem Akanteng, in the West Akyem municipality of the Eastern Region.
Information available also indicates that the suspects were initially questioned at the Eastern Regional Police Command before they were brought to Accra for further interrogation.
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