A group calling itself the Progressive Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana is accusing security agencies tasked with combating illegal mining of extorting 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 are taking advantage of their enforcement drive to extort money from miners.
It is also raising concerns over what it describes as a shoot-to-kill approach by security operatives during raids, warning that such actions could result in violations of fundamental human rights.
Clad in red, the association accused military personnel, police officers, National Security operatives, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and other state agencies of engaging in what it describes as questionable practices during anti-galamsey operations.
The association at a press conference, alleged that some of its members have paid over 2.5 million Ghana cedis to some security operatives.
According to the spokesperson for the Association, Philip Bawa, “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.”
According to Bawa, security personnel deployed to clamp down on illegal mining activities have allegedly turned the operations into opportunities to demand money from miners.
The association is also raising concerns over what it describes as a ‘shoot-to-kill’ approach adopted by some security operatives during environmental enforcement exercises.
It is demanding clarity from government on the rules governing such operations, particularly the circumstances under which security personnel are authorized to use firearms 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 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.”
The association maintains that while it supports efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, enforcement activities must be transparent, lawful and respectful of the rights of individuals.
It is calling for immediate government intervention to address their concerns and prevent further abuse of power and possible violations of human rights during mining operations.
“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,” they said.