BY Daniel Bampoe
Dr. Gideon Boako, Member of Parliament for Tano North Constituency, has issued a strong condemnation of the recent military-led operation in parts of the Ahafo Region, which resulted in mass arrests and the repatriation of residents to Kumasi in connection with an attack on officials of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In a statement issued, Dr. Boako emphasized his unequivocal stance against violence and attacks on state officials carrying out lawful duties.
However, he warned that the security agencies’ response must be measured, lawful, and respectful of citizens’ fundamental human rights.
“The principle of natural justice dictates that persons must be treated as innocent until proven guilty. The operation that led to mass arrests without proper investigation is unacceptable,” he stated.
Dr. Boako expressed concern that the blanket arrest approach risks punishing innocent citizens alongside those potentially responsible, thereby eroding public trust and creating fear and tension in the affected communities.
He called on the security agencies to halt such practices and urged that every individual arrested undergo a transparent, prompt, and thorough investigation to determine personal culpability.
The MP also criticized the decision to repatriate individuals arrested in Hwidiem to Kumasi, describing it as placing unnecessary hardship on both the arrested persons and their families.
He highlighted the logistical and legal difficulties this creates, including limited access to legal representation and family support.
Dr. Boako stressed that justice should be visible and accessible locally, insisting that arrested persons be returned to facilities within the Ahafo Region to ensure fair treatment and compliance with procedural requirements.
While appealing to the people of Hwidiem to remain calm and cooperate with lawful investigations, the MP reiterated that attacks on state officials undermine the ongoing fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
At the same time, he urged the government and security services to exercise restraint and avoid turning the pursuit of justice into an instrument of injustice against law-abiding citizens.
