Public Relations officer of Hansol Group of Companies as well as Director of Research and Policy of the Artisanal Mining Africa Network, Edward Kwasi Akuoko has jumped to the rescue of the Central regional propaganda secretary of the NDC, Allotey Jacobs, following comments made on illegal mining activities in the country.
The Central Regional propaganda secretary of the NDC was quoted as having said on an Obuasi based Radio station that, there was urgent need for the government to review its mode of dealing with the matter and rather see how best to regularize the industry for the utmost benefit of the entire unemployed youth across the country.
Reacting to the controversy, Mr. Akuoko said what Allotey Jacob’s statement meant was for government to look at the issue more of an economic and livelihood one other than a mere environmental nuisance. I believe Allotey Jacob’s does not intend to condone illegality but is worried about the inhuman and brut approach in trying to curb the menace.
I am personally of the opinion that using state security to assault, maltreat, burn and destroy property belonging to our own youth who are only trying to do something to survive, cannot be morally justified in any way and by any measure, Mr. Akuoko said.
he added that, I am therefore calling on the Mahama administration to re strategize with the major players in the industry in dealing with the challenge, instead of castigating people like Allotey Jacobs who are expressing a genuine concern.