The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has expressed strong confidence in President John Mahama’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, insisting that the President is determined to confront the menace head-on, regardless of who is involved.
Speaking on JoyNews National Dialogue on Thursday, February 12, following a Hotline Documentary exposé, which uncovered allegations that some district assemblies in mining communities were collecting fees from operators of banned mining equipment, Mr Kotoko said it was unfortunate but should not undermine confidence in the government’s resolve.
“It’s unfortunate, but I have taken so much confidence in the fact that I know there is a President who is very focused and determined to fight this canker, and he is ready to go every length to demonstrate his willingness to fight this,” he said.
He stressed that illegality, environmental destruction, and actions that threaten human existence can never be justified.
“Whatever be the case, whoever is involved, right is right and wrong is just wrong. Under no circumstance should there be any justification for anything that would constitute illegality, cause environmental degradation, or pose a major threat to our own existence,” Mr Kotoko stated.
Mr Kotoko said he believes firm action will follow, especially since the documentary evidence has been submitted to the Minister for Local Government.
“I have every reason to believe that so long as the documentary or the evidence has been submitted to the local government minister, action will definitely be taken and it will be looked into,” he added.
On calls for the immediate interdiction of officials implicated in the allegations, the Forestry Commission Deputy CEO urged patience, noting that interdiction is not automatic under the law, even though it may sometimes be appropriate.
“It is not an established must that at all costs there should be an interdiction. One would admit that it could be seen as the right thing to do, especially if there is the risk of interference in investigations. But the process has not fully started yet,” he explained.
He, however, did not rule out such steps in the near future.
“When that begins, I would not be surprised. I just do not want to take the wind out of the sails of what may happen either tonight or even tomorrow,” he said.
Mr Kotoko stated that defeating galamsey requires collective responsibility across all state institutions.
“If we are not having the cooperation of all, especially knowing how focused President Mahama is on nipping this in the bud, it requires the involvement of all state actors to support his agenda. And it is not only for President Mahama alone, it is for his government and for the people of Ghana,” he stated.
He expressed optimism that the investigative committee will carry out its work thoroughly and fairly.
“I believe strongly that the committee will do its work very well. I pray that everything will be carefully looked at and investigated so that it will serve as a deterrent to others who see this as a lucrative enterprise,” he added.
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