Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has denounced the recent assault on Multimedia Group journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and his three colleagues by illegal miners in Asumenya, Ashanti Region. The attackers were reportedly employees of Edelmetallum Resources Limited, a local mining firm.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on October 21, 2024, Kpebu attributed the violence to a culture of impunity, highlighting that previous offenders have not faced consequences, leading to ongoing lawlessness. “It’s the impunity. You remember two years ago when you reported Chairman Wontumi for illegal mining in the Tano forest, backed by photographic evidence and dates? IGP Dampare and Faustina Addo have not moved the case forward. This lack of action sends a message that politically exposed individuals will not be prosecuted,” he stated.
Kpebu emphasized that the failure to hold powerful figures accountable fosters a belief among others that they too can act without fear of repercussions. He argued that the lack of prosecution for Wuntumi has emboldened other politically connected individuals to engage in similar misconduct. “For me, it’s about prosecuting those against whom you already have evidence,” he added.
Despite being invited by local police for questioning, the perpetrators refused to comply, further illustrating the perceived failure of authorities to enforce the law. Kpebu expressed concern over the independence of the police, stating, “It tells you that the police are not independent; that’s the main issue.”
Kenneth Ashigbey, from the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, also appeared on the show and questioned the integrity of various state institutions, including the Minerals Commission. He indicated that the coalition is considering legal action to address the lack of accountability for the attack. “We are taking steps, and we’ve asked our lawyers to assist us in ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
Erastus mentioned that after the attack, they sought police escort from the community but were denied. Ashigbey criticized this response as unacceptable and called for collective efforts to combat such incidents and advocate for justice for Erastus and his colleagues.
