The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has accused the government’s anti-galamsey task force of engaging in unlawful operations, alleging a breach of operational guidelines.
According to the Association, the task force has been seizing mining equipment from miners’ homes even when not in use raising serious concerns about the legality and fairness of these actions.
Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of the Association, stated that some of the affected individuals are legally licensed operators.
“Harassment and destruction of legally acquired mining equipment are not sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the industry,” the group emphasized.
Small-scale gold mining continues to play a significant role in Ghana’s economy, with artisanal miners producing an estimated 66 tonnes of gold in 2024—contributing to a national total output of 151 tonnes.
The Association maintains that the sector deserves both recognition and fair treatment and is calling on the government to fulfill its commitment to support and formalize small-scale mining.
“We are calling on the government to honour that promise by introducing standard technological reforms and capacity-building initiatives,” the group stated.
They argue that such reforms would not only protect the environment but also ensure lawful and responsible mining practices.
“Our demand is simple and reasonable: introduce reforms that will enable lawful, safe, and environmentally sound mining,” the statement concluded.
The Association further warned that the government’s renewed fight against illegal mining is likely to fail citing past efforts that achieved little success. They urged the government to adopt a more constructive, solution-oriented approach to addressing challenges in the sector.
