Illegal miners popularly referred to as galamsey operators will do anything even if it means losing their lives to ensure their source of livelihood is not taken away from them.
This is according to Security Analyst Dr Kwesi Anning who was speaking to Accra-based Citi FM.
He blamed the increasing rate of galamsey on the unwillingness of authorities in charge to deal with the issue. He also said politicians must also be blamed for showing little concern in such an issue.
READ ALSO: NPP blames Mahama for surge in galamsey
“Political leaders do not just care as far as galamsey activities are concerned.”
He said the Police has lost the power to deal with the issue and suggested that the military is used for such an activity.
Dr Aning's comments comes after some irate illegal miners in Obuasi on Wednesday morning protested against government’s move to stop them from mining in their various mining centres.
READ ALSO: Illegal miners to vacate Obuasi mine - Mineral Commission
The Minerals Commission has handed them a quit order for them to stop gold mining in the main operating area within the concession of Anglogold Ashanti (AGA).
But the demonstrators say they are not ready to move out of that area to a new place.
Many of them in their anger vandalised the offices of some political parties including that of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) amidst chants of “no galamsey, no votes”.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Ranking Member on parliament’s Select Committee on Energy and Mines, Edward Ennin has called the bluff of illegal miners who have threatened not to vote in this year’s election if they are not allowed to resume their mining activities in the municipality.