Efforts by government to fight against illegal mining popularly known as galamsey are being thwarted by an illegal taskforce operating on mining sites.
The illegal taskforce, according to information gathered by THE CUSTODIAN, has been harassing miners and claiming to be part of the original National Anti-Illegal Taskforce.
This paper has also learnt that this illegal taskforce is being backed by some highly influential persons who are using their power to further their own interests.
According to sources, the unlawful taskforce has been visiting legitimate mining sites, seizing machines, and burning others, causing devastation to affected miners.
It will be recalled that a recent incident in the Western Region saw this unapproved taskforce clash with the government’s National Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, undermining their mandate.
However, with the intervention of the Minister Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembele, the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce was called back to prevent any bloodshed.
Reliable sources revealed that the illegal taskforce later blocked the National Taskforce’s route to Accra, asking them to surrender.
THE CUSTODIAN gleaned that it took several hours before the disturbing situation was brought under control.
This unlawful taskforce, the paper heard, recently visited some mining sites in the Ashanti Region, destroying machines and extorting money from licenced miners.
The government’s taskforce was set up to tackle the menace of galamsey.
However, its efforts are being threatened by this parallel operation.
Affected miners have expressed their disappointment and frustration over the approach of these recent attacks and burning of a brand new SUV car.
The miners have called on government to take immediate action to prevent the operations of this illegal taskforce, which is causing more harm than good.
The sector minister Mr Armah-Kofi Buah and President John Dramani Mahama are reportedly unaware of the activities of this rogue taskforce, which is operating under the radar.
The legitimate small-scale mining companies that have been affected by these attacks are calling on the government to intervene and protect their interests.
They argue that the actions of this illegal taskforce are not only damaging to their businesses but also undermining the government’s efforts to regulate the mining industry.
The activities of this illegal taskforce have also raised concerns about the safety and security of miners and their equipment.
The burning of machines and seizure of property are not only causing financial losses but also putting lives at risk.
Within a space of one week, the country has witnessed two separate news conferences by the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana and the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners expressing their displeasure over the operations of this parallel anti-illegal taskforce.
Small-Scale Miners’ appeal
The National President of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Mr. Kwadwo Peprah, was worried about the approach of the taskforce, mistakenly accusing the National Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce of their unlawful activities and questioning their actions.
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners also believes that if this unlawful approach of the illegal mining taskforce continues, the Goldbold initiative launched by the government will be affected drastically.
They explained that whereas they are working legitimately, they are being attacked by the illegal taskforce operating under the pretext of the government National Anti – Illegal Taskforce making the entire vision and mission of the creation of the National Anti- Illegal Taskforce less important to them.
The government has been urged to take immediate action to disband this illegal taskforce and ensure that the legitimate mining industry is protected.
The miners are also calling for the prosecution of those behind this illegal operation, to serve as a deterrent to others.
By Kyei Boateng
