Former Deputy Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has called for a more forceful approach in the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

The MP for Bolgatanga East has suggested adopting a "shoot on sight" policy, which he believes would strengthen the government's initiatives to combat this urgent problem.

His comments arise amid increasing worries about the ecological destruction linked to illegal mining, especially concerning Ghana’s forest reserves.

Speaking on Newsfile on Saturday, Dr. Ayine expanded on his proposal, advocating for the deployment of drones equipped with assault capabilities to target those involved in illegal mining activities near water sources.

“I have been discussing with a brother of mine... he has been proposing radically that we should actually send drones with either bullets or bombs with heat detection technology so that if we detect human activity in that area, they should just fire.”

“If that is what will save us from this environmental genocide, I will support it,” he added.

In contrast, Dr. Mensa-Bonsu, an Associate Professor and Head of Ashesi Law, opposes this approach.

She argues that it could result in the loss of innocent lives of individuals who are not involved in illegal mining activities.