Security expert Professor Kwasi Aning has criticised the directive to transfer all police commanders stationed in mining communities, warning that the policy—particularly its handling of foreign nationals involved in galamsey—could ultimately destroy the country.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, he described the Interior Minister’s decision as “populist,” “unthoughtful,” and “a disgrace,” arguing that it fails to address the root causes of illegal mining and sends a dangerous message to transnational criminal elements.
“I have absolutely no sympathy,” he said.
“I detest being an independent Ghanaian in Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana and being treated like a second-class citizen. And let me appeal to the President directly; Mr. President, rescind this policy before this country is destroyed.”
The policy, announced by Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak, directs the Inspector General of Police to immediately transfer all regional, divisional, and district police commanders who have served long terms in mining areas without making significant progress in the fight against illegal mining.
In a further controversial move, the Minister stated that foreign nationals caught engaging in galamsey would be deported without prosecution.
Prof. Aning condemned the deportation policy as ineffective and damaging to Ghana’s sovereignty and justice system.
“This is a policy that will serve as an attraction for even worse criminals to come,” he warned.
“They know we don’t have the capacity to prosecute them. They know we don’t have the political will to do what is right for the people of this country.”
He challenged the President to make his final term count, stating that the current approach falls short of the promises made in the State of the Nation Address.
“This is your legacy term—let it matter and let it count,” he implored.
“Your minister has demonstrated an unwillingness and a reluctance to hold the bull by the horns and resolve this crisis.”
While he acknowledged that changes in police deployment could be useful, Prof. Aning said they must be accompanied by proper accountability and resources to be effective.
“I think it’s useful that we give the police officers performance indicators,” he noted.
“But we need to give them the resources, Your Excellency, so that the three months can be tested and their results checked.”
He criticised what he sees as the broader implications of the policy.
“We cannot have a two-tier law. We cannot have a two-tier implementation process. The manner in which this has been presented to the Republic of Ghana is shameful. It is not thought through. It is populist, and it is a disgrace.”
Prof. Aning concluded with a passionate appeal to President Mahama to uphold his environmental and governance commitments.
“Let this be your legacy term by reclaiming the environment, as you promised the people of Ghana in your State of the Nation Address. We cannot afford more half-measures.”
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