Energy, environmental law, and sustainability consultant Dr. Jamal Tonzua Seidu has labeled the government’s decision to deploy military personnel in its efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, as unconstitutional.
Dr. Seidu argued that using the military for internal security purposes is inappropriate and should not be misused.
“The way the military is being employed for this task constitutes an abuse of our constitution. According to Clause 3 of Article 210, the military’s primary mandate is national defense against external threats. Their role in internal security operations is secondary, and this is being misapplied,” he explained.
The government had deployed over 100 armed military personnel to various water bodies on October 10, in a renewed effort to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
This initiative was prompted by concerns from more than 50 state and private civil society organizations, which have called for action against the environmental damage caused by galamsey, impacting Ghana’s water bodies, farmlands, and forests.
Dr. Seidu also revealed that some military personnel are dissatisfied with their deployment for this purpose.
“The military is a self-contained institution and tends to be conservative, making them less vocal. I am aware of military members who are uncomfortable with how they are being utilized for policy issues due to a lack of initiative, leading to their securitization for such operations,” he stated.
“No soldier is eager to participate in an operation that has been marred by corruption, as it complicates their integrity. However, soldiers often cannot express their discontent openly,” he added.
