Former Government Spokesperson on Security and Governance, Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as the alarming deterioration of security across the country, accusing President John Dramani Mahama of failing to take decisive action to protect citizens.
He said the increasing breakdown of law and order in both rural and urban areas is a sign that the government has lost control over the country’s internal security.
“I do not think the President of Ghana understands what is going on in this country. I am troubled about the breakdown of rural and urban security. I wish him the best, but I do not think he is taking our security seriously,” he stated.
The former government spokesperson noted that recent incidents of violent attacks and killings have heightened public fear and eroded confidence in the nation’s security agencies, alleging that the President’s reassurances have not translated into concrete measures to prevent further loss of lives.
“When the President gives speeches, it doesn’t bring back the lives of those who have died. We have consistently urged the President to declare a state of emergency. We are at a very low place as a country. Please, Mr President, you are the Commander-in-Chief; you have every right to ensure the Ghanaian people remain safe. We are not safe in this country,” he lamented.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah’s comments come amid growing public concern following violent confrontations between anti-illegal mining task forces and armed groups in parts of the country.
The separate violent incidents involved the National Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) task force at Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region and another involving Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
In the Obuasi case, an EPA vehicle carrying journalists was reportedly involved in an accident while fleeing an attack by armed miners at Dadwene, a nearby community. The team, which included military and national security officers, had gone to inspect illegal mining activities but was forced to retreat for safety.
However, President John Dramani Mahama, reacting to the incidents, has warned that firm action will be taken against communities that attack security officers and government officials working to combat illegal mining, also known as galamsey.
