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GAF hasn't deployed soldiers to protect galamseyers – Derrick Oduro

The Deputy Defence Minister, Major Derrick Oduro explained to that military personnel are only deployed to big mining companies upon request however, this has not happened in recent times.

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His comments follow allegations by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu that some military personnel are providing security services to some illegal miners in Ashanti Region.

He made this claim when he toured some galamsey sites in the Ashanti Region on Monday (May 22, 2017).

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He explained to Accra-based Citi FM that military personnel are only deployed to big mining companies upon request but this has not happened under the current circumstance.

He added that the military personnel seen by the Lands and Natural Resources Minister were acting on their own accord.

“When the news came up the Chief of Defence staff has been with me and we have spoken at length on this issue. All the commanders at various places – Chief of Air staff, Chief of Army staff and even Chief of Naval staff were sceptical. Everybody doubts where that information is coming from. It is never true that armed forces are providing security for galamseyers.”

“If they are legal miners, there is no problem[but] if they were illegal miners and had come to see the Armed Forces [for protection], no. Armed Forces can never and would never do that. I cannot say that he [Amewu] didn’t meet soldiers there. People are impersonating the military…people are wearing anything similar to the outfit of the military…don’t forget that some of the illegal miners are holding arms,” he added.

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Meanwhile the Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul has called on the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Obed Akwa to begin investigating the allegations made by John Peter Amewu.

He added that they will deal ruthlessly with any military personnel who is found guilty.

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