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0 The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association is accusing the government’s anti-galamsey task force of engaging in unlawful activities in breach of their tenets of engagement.
According to the group, the task force, in some instances, seized equipment that had been moved from mining sites.
President of the Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, claims some members who operate legally are among the affected.
“In several instances, equipment has been forcibly taken from miners’ homes, where they were not in use, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of these actions.
“We wish to draw public attention to what we believe is a systematic targeting of our members following the assumption of office by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2025,” he stated.
The association is predicting a failure of the renewed fight against the menace, indicating the approach is similar to previous attempts that failed to yield positive results.
“Harassment and destruction of legally acquired mining equipment are not sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the industry,” they insisted.
The gold mining sector remains instrumental to the country’s economy.
In 2024, small-scale gold miners in Ghana produced an estimated 66 tonnes of gold, contributing to a total national output of 151 tonnes.
For this reason, the group believes the sector should be given the deserved recognition.
“This sector remains vital to Ghana’s economic growth, and we believe its actors deserve to be treated with fairness, respect, and legal protection,” the press release read.
During the 2024 election campaign, a promise was made by the then-opposition NDC campaign to support in formalizing the sector.
The party manifesto insisted on equipping small-scale miners with modern technology and skills to streamline their operations.
The concerned miners want the government to redeem its promise.
“We are calling on the government to honour that promise by introducing standard technological reforms and capacity-building initiatives,” they insisted.
The Association believes the fulfilment of the promise will help in the protection of the environment.
“Our demand is simple and reasonable: introduce reforms that will enable lawful, safe, and environmentally sound mining. We do not seek favouritism or protection for illegal operations,” the statement concluded.
