Shoot to maim illegal miners if ‘shoot to kill’ is opposed – Kwame Jantuah

Legal expert Kwame Jantuah, a member of the CPP, proposes a drastic measure to combat illegal mining in Ghana. He claims that if human rights activists oppose a "shoot to kill" approach, security forces should instead "shoot to maim" illegal miners. Jantuah's comments come amid concerns over the pollution of water bodies across the country, including the Birim River, which supplies freshwater to residents of Akyem Apapam and surrounding areas.

In response to a video by TV3's NewDay host Joseph Ackah-Blay, Jantuah suggested "shoot to maim" as the alternative if fears of "shoot to kill" being opposed by human rights activists posed a threat to the issue. He argues that the fear of losing a body part could deter individuals from engaging in illegal mining. Jantuah also questioned why the government failed to implement a ban on small-scale mining for 2 to 3 years to properly restructure the sector.

He pointed out that previous attempts to do so were abandoned, and water turbidity in the Birim River has reached alarming levels, preventing the resumption of the Kyebi water treatment plant. Ackah-Blay reported that some illegal miners have resorted to hiding their activities behind a local police station by mounting roofing sheets along the roadside. Illegal mining continues despite complaints to the police and national security authorities.