Lands Minister steps in to prevent violence over galamsey operations between the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce and an Illegal group

The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Hon Armah Kofi Buah, has averted a potentially violent clash between the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce and an illegal group claiming to be a government taskforce in the Western Region.

According to sources, the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce was prepared to confront the rogue group after discovering they were operating as a parallel taskforce.

However, the Minister’s timely phone call helped the two parties to call off the near brawl.

Fake Taskforce Threatens Government’s Anti-Galamsey Fight
According to Otec News’ source close to the National Taskforce, the official team became aware of a parallel group masquerading as state agents and decided to confront them.

The situation was on the brink of escalating into violence until the Lands Minister placed a crucial phone call that calmed both parties and prevented a potentially bloody encounter.

Details of the rogue group
Our sources reveal that this unauthorized task force is backed by self-serving but influential individuals within the country.

The group has been consistently interfering with government efforts to curb illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”

Sources confirmed that the rogue task force has been seen operating across Ghana, including towns like Prestea, where they reportedly seized and burned 60 excavators without any legal authority.

Similar incidents have been reported in the Ashanti Region, where the same group allegedly destroyed confiscated mining equipment.

Further reports indicate that members of this illegal group often pose as legitimate members of the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce.

They have been accused of extorting money from licensed miners under the threat of equipment seizure and property destruction.

National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, upon assuming office in 2025, established the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce to address illegal mining through structured and lawful operations.

However, the emergence of this parallel group has severely undermined these efforts.

Miners express frustration
Several affected miners who spoke with Otec News voiced their dismay at the activities of the unauthorized task force, arguing “that their methods were harmful and disruptive to lawful mining operations.”

They appealed to the government to intervene immediately to prevent the collapse of their businesses and the sector at large.

Government denies the rogue group
Checks at the Presidency indicate that neither President John Dramani Mahama nor Minister Armah Kofi Buah has any knowledge of those behind the formation of the rogue taskforce.

This revelation has intensified calls for investigations and decisive action.

Miners raise alarm
Legitimate small-scale mining companies are calling for urgent government intervention to halt the illegal group’s activities.

They warned that continued operations by the rogue task force could erode investor confidence and derail national efforts like the Goldbold Initiative aimed at promoting responsible mining.

In the past week, both the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMA) and the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) have held press briefings condemning the activities of the illegal task force and calling for government action.

According to GNASSM, the unregulated actions of the illegal task force jeopardize the government’s roadmap for responsible mining, including initiatives like Goldbold.

“Their presence and operations are viewed as a direct threat to industry reforms and the livelihoods of legitimate miners,” GNASSM stated.

Mr. Kwadwo Peprah, President of the NCSSMA, questioned the legitimacy and tactics of the rogue task force.

He urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to dismantle the group and restore order in the sector.

Government Commended but Urged to Act Faster
Meanwhile, President Mahama and Minister Buah have been commended for establishing the official task force, but the mining associations insist that further action is required.

They want the unauthorized group disbanded immediately to safeguard the sector and its stakeholders.

“The activities of the illegal task force are having a significant impact on the mining industry, causing financial losses and undermining the government’s efforts to regulate the sector,” one miner said.

Another miner also told Otec News that “The government needs to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that the mining industry operates safely and responsibly.”

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah