“Pay Half or Leave” — Fury Erupts Over Officer’s Alleged Bribe at Galamsey Site

A viral video circulating online has triggered widespread outrage after a police officer, believed to be part of an anti-galamsey taskforce, was seen allegedly demanding money from illegal miners. In the footage, the officer is heard telling a man behind the camera to “pay half” and continue working, warning that refusal would mean being forced to leave the site. “Pay half of it and work, but if you won’t pay, then you will go home,” the officer reportedly said. The man recording the video is heard pleading with the officer, asking him not to go through with the demand and appealing to their shared struggle to make a living. The officer is later seen giving instructions to others at the site, some of whom were handling equipment such as car batteries and pumping machines believed to be used for illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey. The video has drawn strong reactions from the public, with many criticising the alleged conduct and questioning efforts to combat illegal mining. Some social media users argued that corruption within enforcement agencies is a major reason the practice continues, while others called for stricter action and thorough investigations by the Ghana Police Service. The incident comes at a time when authorities are stepping up efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, which continues to impact water bodies and forests across the country. Source:SIKAOFFICIAL