The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoku, has issued a stern warning to staff members allegedly involved in aiding illegal mining activities, following recent claims by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Kofi Armah Buah, that some Commission staff are colluding with illegal miners to destroy the environment.
In a Facebook post responding to the Minister’s remarks, Kotoku emphasized that any staff found to be colluding with illegal miners or tipping them off about impending raids will face the full force of the law.
“Any Forestry Commission staff who is found to connive with illegal miners and/or give tip-offs to the miners on raids will be dealt with according to law,” he wrote.
He also indicated that some employees may be transferred from their current posts, especially those who have remained in one jurisdiction for too long, a move aimed at reducing potential for corruption and undue influence.
“Those who are found to be culpable, complicit or have compromised in any way, which is an affront to President John Dramani Mahama’s mission, will either be shown the door, dealt with accordingly, or both,” Kotoku stated.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to the fight against illegal mining locally known as “galamsey”, Mr. Kotoku called on Ghanaians to rally behind the government.
