The Progressive Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has accused military personnel, police officers, National Security operatives and other state institutions involved in combating illegal mining of allegedly extorting millions of cedis from miners under the guise of enforcing environmental regulations.
The association claims that personnel deployed to lead the government’s anti galamsey campaign have exploited their enforcement responsibilities to demand substantial payments from mining operators, raising concerns about alleged corruption, abuse of authority and violations of fundamental human rights.
Addressing a press conference, members of the association, dressed in red, accused several security institutions, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, National Security, the National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), of engaging in questionable practices during operations against illegal mining.
Speaking on behalf of the association, its spokesperson, Philip Bawa, alleged that some miners had been compelled to make substantial payments to security personnel to prevent disruptions to their activities.
He disclosed that reports received by the association indicated that certain members had allegedly 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,” Bawa stated.
The association further alleged that individuals assigned to suppress illegal mining had, in certain instances, turned enforcement exercises into opportunities to solicit money from operators, undermining public confidence in the government’s campaign to protect the country’s natural resources.
Beyond the alleged financial demands, the group expressed serious reservations about what it characterised as a shoot to kill approach by some security personnel during mining related enforcement operations.
It warned that the alleged use of excessive force, particularly where firearms are involved, could expose individuals to unlawful treatment and potentially undermine constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights.
The association consequently called on the government to provide clear explanations regarding the operational guidelines and rules of engagement governing security personnel deployed to mining communities, particularly the legal circumstances under which officers may resort to firearms and lethal force.
“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 authorized 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 said.
Despite its allegations against security agencies, the association stressed that it was not opposed to the government’s determination to eradicate illegal mining, acknowledging the extensive environmental damage caused by irresponsible mining activities across the country.
It observed that the destruction of rivers, forest reserves, agricultural lands and surrounding communities had become a major national concern, adding that licensed small scale miners also had a responsibility to support efforts aimed at restoring discipline and sustainability within the industry.
The group maintained, however, that the campaign against illegal mining must not become an avenue for intimidation, financial exploitation or the arbitrary exercise of state authority.
It therefore appealed for immediate government intervention to investigate the allegations, address the concerns of affected miners and establish safeguards against possible misconduct during enforcement exercises.
The association also expressed its willingness to collaborate with government institutions, traditional authorities, the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority and relevant security agencies to strengthen regulatory compliance and eliminate illegal mining.
“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.”
“We are therefore prepared to work with government, traditional authorities, the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Authority and security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining. However, the fight against illegal mining must be properly coordinated and guided by fairness, accountability and respect for the law,” the association added.
The allegations raise important questions about accountability, oversight and the conduct of personnel participating in Ghana’s anti illegal mining campaign. However, the claims of extortion and excessive use of force remain allegations by the association and require independent investigation and responses from the institutions and officials named.
Image recommendation: The photograph supplied by MyJoyOnline showing association members dressed in red at their press conference is the most relevant image for this report. It captures the actual event and should be preferred over generic photographs of military personnel or illegal mining sites.
