Ernest Frimpong, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate in Amenfi East, has stirred controversy by encouraging unauthorized miners to oppose and even confront soldiers trying to stop their operations.
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This remark was uttered in the presence of the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, and additional party officials.
Speaking to the miners, Ernest Frimpong disclosed that all squads targeting illegal mining, such as “Operation Halt” and “Galamstop,” have been dissolved by the government. Consequently, he asserted that no soldier possesses the mandate to obstruct anyone from engaging in mining activities.
“Operations such as ‘Operation Halt’ and ‘Galamstop’ have been cancelled, and soldiers no longer have permission to carry out such operations. If anyone comes to your site, you have the right to question their mission,” he stated.
Frimpong clarified that if a soldier asserts they are on patrol duty, it is permissible since police and security patrols aid in safeguarding miners from theft. However, he proposed that miners might consider voluntarily contributing money for fuel, a suggestion he does not object to. Nonetheless, he strongly urged miners to oppose any soldier attempting to halt their operations.
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“If someone arrives and, because they are a soldier, tells you to leave the site and dismantle your machines, do not be intimidated by their uniform. If they beat you, beat them back. Fight them, and I will defend you,” he passionately urged, eliciting enthusiastic applause from the miners.
Supporting his position, Frimpong insisted that without an officially sanctioned anti-illegal mining operation, any efforts by soldiers to halt illegal mining were inherently unlawful.
“The authority for them to arrest you has been revoked. Therefore, if you are engaged in illegal mining and a soldier tries to arrest you, they are also engaging in illegality, and you should arrest them,” he added.
Ernest Frimpong’s remarks have ignited substantial controversy, prompting concerns regarding adherence to the rule of law and the ongoing struggle against illegal mining in Ghana.
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NPP Parliamentary Candidate for AMENFI East, Ernest Frimpong charges illegal miners to beat up soldiers who attempt to stop them from mining…#GHOneNews #GHOneTV #NDC #NPP pic.twitter.com/VqTzxP2KZC
— GHOne TV (@ghonetv) June 8, 2024
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