The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu over the week asked that the security agencies be given the power to shoot those involved in illegal mining popularly called ‘galamsey’.

Joseph Osei Owusu observed that this is the only way to deter criminals from engaging in that act.”

The Deputy Speaker, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bekwai Constituency, suggested the joint military and police anti-galamsey task force fighting illegal mining in various parts of the country should adopt a shoot-to-kill approach in dealing with illegal miners destroying the country’s water resources.

While making a contribution on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Osei-Owusu said he would have issued a directive to that effect if he had the power.

But some have condemned him for the comment and described it as reprehensive.

Controversial musician cum NPP activist Kwame A’Plus has lashed out at deputy speaker of Parliament Joseph Osei Owusu over his “shoot-to-kill” comment on galamsey workers.

Kwame A’Plus writing on his Facebook wall said it should instead be politicians who face the shoot-to-kill order and not illegal miners.

“I also propose That we should start shooting to kill politicians who steal our money. That is the only way to deter criminal politicians from engaging in that act. When it hungry people trying to earn a living they must be shot without trial. When it’s a politician we must wait for the special prosecutor because they are special. Nonsense man!!!”, he wrote.