Concerned Farmers condemns NPP PC’s call for illegal miners to beat soldiers, police

The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFAG) has lashed out at the Parliamentary Candidate for Amenfi East for inciting illegal miners (galamseyers) to attack police and military personnel.

In a statement signed by the president of CFAG, Farmer General Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu, the call by the lawmaker hopeful was described as reprehensible and unbecoming of someone of his calibre.

“The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFAG) condemns a viral video showing the Parliamentary Candidate for Amenfi East and Western Regional Minister inciting galamseyers (illegal miners) to attack police and military personnel.

“We deem this conduct unfortunate and unacceptable, as it undermines the rule of law and puts the lives of security personnel at risk. If our laws function effectively, the PC and Minister must face arrest and prosecution for their actions.

“Inciting violence against those sworn to protect our nation is a serious offence, and we demand swift action from the appropriate authorities. We stand in solidarity with the security services and urge them to remain committed to their duties,” the statement said.

CFAG went on further to urge the government to address the issue of galamsey, which has devastated farmlands and water bodies in the country.

“We must protect our environment and ensure sustainable farming practices,” it added. “We expect a prompt response from the authorities and urge all Ghanaians to condemn this reckless behaviour.”

In a video that has gone viral on social media, the parliamentary candidate is seen at a forum with individuals believed to be illegal miners, allegedly advising them to resist military officers who claim they are there to patrol the area and attempt to forcefully remove them. He emphasised that no military personnel have been authorised to manage the sites at this time, so miners should fight back if necessary.

Interestingly, the Western Regional Minister Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, who also heads the Security Council in the region, was also present at the forum where Frimpong made the widely condemned call.