Massive Corruption, Extortion Mar Galamsey Fight

The Progressive Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has accused security agencies deployed to combat illegal mining of exploiting the anti-galamsey campaign to extort money from miners.

The association alleges that military personnel, police officers, National Security operatives, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), as well as some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), are engaging in questionable practices under the guise of enforcing mining regulations.

According to a report by MyJoyOnline.com, the association claims some of its members have been compelled to pay huge sums of money to security operatives to avoid disruptions to their mining activities.

Addressing a press conference, the association’s spokesperson, Philip Bawa, alleged that some miners had paid as much as GH¢2.5 million to military personnel and other security operatives in what he described as extortion.

“We have received reports of miners allegedly being compelled to pay huge sums of money to security personnel to avoid disruptions to their operations. Some of our members claim to have paid as much as GH¢2.5 million in what they describe as extortion by military personnel and other security operatives,” he said.

The association further accused some security personnel of turning anti-illegal mining operations into opportunities to demand money from miners, raising concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the government’s campaign against galamsey.

It also expressed alarm over what it described as a ‘shoot-to-kill’ approach by some security operatives during mining-related enforcement exercises.

The group is demanding clarity from the government on the rules of engagement governing the operations, particularly the circumstances under which security personnel are authorised to use firearms and lethal force against miners.

“The Association is also deeply concerned about what appears to be the implementation of a shoot-to-kill approach in the fight against illegal mining.

“We are particularly worried about the lack of adequate public clarity and accountability surrounding the circumstances under which security personnel are authorised to use lethal force during mining-related operations. The use of firearms and lethal force must be governed by the law and established rules of engagement,” it stated.

The association insists that although it supports the government’s efforts to eliminate illegal mining, such operations must be conducted transparently and in accordance with the law, while safeguarding the fundamental human rights of individuals.

It is therefore calling for immediate government intervention to investigate the allegations, address alleged abuses by security personnel and ensure accountability in the execution of anti-galamsey operations.

The group, however, reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to protect the country’s natural resources.

“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,” it said.

The association added that it was prepared to collaborate with the government, traditional authorities, the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority and security agencies to rid the sector of illegal mining.

However, it stressed that the campaign must be guided by fairness, accountability, proper coordination and respect for the rule of law.