The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has issued a strong warning to individuals impersonating military and national security personnel to extort money from its members under the pretense of combating illegal mining.
The Association claims that certain individuals, allegedly linked to the ruling National Democratic Congress, have been visiting mining sites belonging to its members to demand money under the guise of enforcing anti-illegal mining measures.
According to the Association’s leadership, miners in the Amansie areas have lodged numerous complaints about persistent harassment and extortion, causing growing frustration among members.
Addressing a press conference in Kumasi on March 19, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Association, Michael Adu Gyamfi, urged President Iohn Mahama, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and other relevant authorities to intervene urgently to prevent possible confrontations between miners and these impostors.
He further called on the President, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the National Security Coordinator in the Ashanti Region to take decisive action against those involved in these activities.