Small-Scale Miners Condemn Government Harassment and Illegal Equipment Seizures.

In violation of their principles of engagement, the government’s anti-galamsey task force is being accused by the Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of engaging in illegal actions.

The task team reportedly confiscated equipment that had been transported from mining sites in several cases, the group said. Some members who operate lawfully are among the impacted, according to Michael Kwadwo Peprah, the Association’s president.

There are significant concerns over the propriety of the forcible removal of equipment from miners’ homes in multiple cases when it was not in use.

“We want to bring to the public’s attention what we perceive to be a systematic targeting of our members after the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) took office in 2025,” he said. Indicating that the strategy is comparable to earlier initiatives that did not succeed, the group is forecasting that the next battle against the threat will fail.

“Destroying and harassing legitimately obtained mining equipment is not a long-term solution to the problems facing the sector,” they maintained. An important part of the nation’s economy is still the gold mining industry.

A total of 151 tonnes of gold were produced in Ghana in 2024, with an estimated 66 tonnes coming from small-scale gold miners. Because of this, the group thinks the industry deserves the attention it deserves.

The press release stated, “We think its actors deserve to be treated fairly, with respect, and with legal protection, as this sector continues to be essential to Ghana’s economic growth.”

The then-opposition NDC party pledged during the 2024 election campaign to help formalize the sector.

In order to streamline their operations, the party manifesto emphasized the importance of providing small-scale miners with contemporary technology and expertise.

It is the miners’ desire that the government fulfil its pledge.

They insisted that the government implement conventional technology reforms and capacity-building programs in order to fulfil that commitment.

The Association is of the opinion that keeping the promise will contribute to environmental preservation. Our demand is straightforward and reasonable: enact laws that will allow for safe, legal, and ecologically responsible mining. The statement ended, “We do not look for favouritism or protection for unlawful operations.”