The Risks of a Shoot-to-Kill Policy in Galamsey Fight: Dr Mensa-Bonsu’s Warning

An Associate Professor and Head of the Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences Department at Ashesi University, Dr. Mensa-Bonsu, has voiced concerns over the use of drones in a “shoot-to-kill” strategy in the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. She cautioned that while such an approach might reduce the number of illegal miners, it also poses a serious threat to innocent people who may be conducting legitimate activities near these mining sites.

“Drones are not capable of distinguishing between illegal miners and innocent people nearby,” Dr. Mensa-Bonsu warned during her appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on October 19, 2024. She highlighted that using this method could lead to indiscriminate killings, putting many lives at risk.

Instead of relying on such drastic measures, Dr. Mensa-Bonsu called for a more pragmatic and sustainable solution to tackle the issue of illegal mining. She suggested that deploying the military permanently to mining hotspots would be a more effective way to combat galamsey over the long term.

Dr. Mensa-Bonsu also pointed out the importance of political will in addressing the issue, stressing that meaningful change would only occur when leadership demonstrates real commitment to the fight. “Without strong action from those in charge, the problem will persist, and the system will continue to be infiltrated by corrupt actors,” she said.

In contrast, former Deputy Attorney General and Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga East, Dr. Dominic Ayine, advocated for a more radical approach. He suggested a “shoot on sight” policy, proposing the use of drones equipped with assault capabilities to target illegal miners, particularly those operating near water bodies.

The debate underscores the tension between implementing aggressive tactics to end illegal mining and ensuring the protection of innocent lives in affected areas.