{
  "id": 216495,
  "title": "Ken Ashigbe questions commitment of MMDCEs, police commanders in fight against galamsey",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/ken-ashigbe-questions-commitment-of-mmdces-police-commanders-in-fight",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-06T11:21:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ken-ashigbe-questions-commitment-of-mmdces-police-commanders-in-fight-against-galamsey/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Anti-galamsey advocate, Ing. Ken Ashigbe, has expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of commitment from local government officials and police commanders in the battle against illegal mining. He argues that the necessary leadership to eradicate this issue from the grassroots level is missing, making the fight against galamsey more challenging. Ing. Ashigbe made these remarks as Ghana marked a year since the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight state officials' lives while they were en route to support the anti-illegal mining campaign. \"The crucial thing is that the leadership we require to tackle this menace, we are not seeing, especially at the local level,\" he said. \"I would urge His Excellency the President; he mentioned that galamsey would be a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for the MCEs, but why is it that none of these MCEs, even in areas where galamsey operations are taking place nearby, are held accountable?\" he questioned. According to him, the lack of accountability from local leaders, MMDCEs and security commanders operating within affected communities, presents a worrying trend. He emphasized that local leaders play a vital role in enforcing mining regulations and preventing illegal miners from returning to reclaimed areas. Ing. Ashigbe's comments come at a time when environmental advocates are calling for a more coordinated approach involving central government, local authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to achieve long-term success in the fight against illegal mining.",
  "summary": "Anti-galamsey campaigner, Ing. Ken Ashigbe, has criticised the lack of commitment from some local government and security officials, arguing that the leadership required to completely eliminate illegal mining is not forthcoming.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ken Ashigbe criticizes lack of commitment from MMDCEs and police commanders.",
    "One year anniversary of helicopter crash in anti-illegal mining campaign.",
    "Calls for accountability from local leaders in enforcing mining regulations."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}