A political activist Dr Arthur Kennedy has cast doubt over the ability of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to effectively deal with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

0

As such, he does not welcome the idea of the CID leading investigations into reports on illegal mining.

1

According to him, the outfit is comprised and too beholding to government to produce comprehensive and authentic results on the menace.

2

“I do not trust the CID to properly investigate this. I think that they are comprised and too beholding to the government,” he said on the JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, April 24.

3

The US-based medical doctor said the situation requires a Parliamentary hearing in order to deliberate on how to make small-scale mining legal while ensuring it is environmentally friendly as well as beneficial to the country.

4

Dr Kennedy lamented the rising issue of state capture where affluent political actors who contribute to the success of candidates seek to rake in benefits from the state.

5

“We are watching the unravelling of this fourth republic and the country,” he said.

6

He has, therefore, called on all Ghanaians not to sit aloof while things are getting out of hand.

7

8

His comments in the wake of some top government officials being fingered in illegal mining, according to a leaked report by the former Environment Minister, Prof Kwabena Frimpong Boateng.

9

He has since been subjected to criticism as some implicated person has debunked the allegations with many of them saying the facts have been misrepresented.

10