Small-scale miners accuse security agencies of extortion during anti-galamsey raids, demand gov’t intervention
A group calling itself the Progressive Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana is accusing security agencies tasked with combating illegal mining of extorting money from miners.
It is also raising concerns over what it describes as a shoot-to-kill approach by security operatives during raids, warning that such actions could result in violations of fundamental human rights.
Clad in red, the association accused military personnel, police officers, National Security operatives, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and other state agencies of engaging in what it describes as questionable practices during anti-galamsey operations.
The association at a press conference, alleged that some of its members have paid over 2.5 million Ghana cedis to some security operatives.
According to Bawa, security personnel deployed to clamp down on illegal mining activities have allegedly turned the operations into opportunities to demand money from miners.
The association is also raising concerns over what it describes as a ‘shoot-to-kill’ approach adopted by some security operatives during environmental enforcement exercises.
It is demanding clarity from government on the rules governing such operations, particularly the circumstances under which security personnel are authorized to use firearms against miners.
The association maintains that while it supports efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, enforcement activities must be transparent, lawful and respectful of the rights of individuals.
It is calling for immediate government intervention to address their concerns and prevent further abuse of power and possible violations of human rights during mining operations.
“We recognise the devastating consequences of irresponsible mining on Ghana’s water bodies, forests, farmlands and communities. As licensed small-scale miners, we have a direct interest in ensuring that the sector is properly regulated and that responsible and sustainable mining practices are promoted.”
