The Small Scale Miners Association has voiced deep concerns over the increasing involvement of illegal miners in river mining across Ghana.
The association expressed its strong opposition to mining activities in the country’s water bodies and vowed to intensify efforts to stop such harmful practices.
In a strong statement, the association called for an immediate halt to illegal mining that is destroying Ghana’s rivers, promising to patrol mining zones, apprehend perpetrators, and safeguard the environment.
The association also revealed its awareness of political figures allegedly backing these illegal operations.
According to the miners’ group, certain politicians are financially and logistically supporting foreigners—mainly from Togo—to engage in river mining.
The association believes this is part of a larger plot to create public discontent with the current government ahead of the December elections.
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the association’s task force conducted an operation on River Mankran in the Ahafo Ano South West District, where they uncovered the devastating scale of illegal mining activities.
Equipment used in the unlawful operations was seized, and others, including “Chamfine” mining machines, were set ablaze by the task force.
The association reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghana’s water bodies and preventing further environmental degradation.
They pledged to continue their vigilance, ensuring that illegal miners and their supporters face the full force of the law.