I didn’t sanction military protection for miners – Kumbour

Former Defense Minister Dr. Benjamin Kumbour has rubbished claims by the MP for Manso Adubia that he approved military protection for the Russia and Ukraine nationals who were arrested for illegal mining Monday.

According to him, the decision to deploy military men anywhere in the country is solely taken by the Military Command structure and not the minister.

The reaction follows an investigation launched into the alleged use of soldiers to guard illegal mining sites as revealed by Lands Minister John Peter Amewu.

The MP Yaw Frimpong alleged that Dr. Kumbour ordered Military protection for the foreigners.


Speaking to Starr News on the matter, the former Interior minister said the MP is ill informed on the operations of the military.

“These things are normally done by the military high command. So it will be very unusual for me to be telling an honourable member that I did such a thing.

“Even if I take a decision on such matters, it will be referred to the military high command to implement because they are operational matters. So I find it quiet serious that one will say such a thing,” he said.