The Coordinator of Eco-Conscious Citizens, Awula Serwah, has described the arraignment of the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North, Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, as a step in the right direction towards ensuring accountability in the country’s fight against illegal mining.
Her comments follow the Asutifi North MP‘s arraignment after he was alleged to have interfered with an anti-illegal mining operation conducted by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) near Bronikrom–Hwediem in the Ahafo Region.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Tuesday, November 4, Madam Serwah said the move demonstrates a commitment to uphold the law and demand responsibility from public officials alleged to have interfered with security operations.
“It is the right direction. All civil society groups and others have been calling for accountability. If the stories we heard are true, that NAIMOS, which is mandated to put an end to illegal mining, was attacked, and that a Member of Parliament was behind or inciting the attack, then, it’s only right that the matter is dealt with strictly,” she said.
Madam Serwah commended the authorities involved in ensuring that the issue is pursued through lawful channels, adding that such actions reinforce public confidence in the rule of law.
“If indeed he has been arraigned before court, that’s a step in the right direction, and we commend all involved for ensuring that justice takes its course and the people of Ghana can see the truth,” she said.