The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASM) has leveled serious accusations against members of the Blurme Water Guards and influential political figures, alleging their involvement in extortion and harassment of legitimate small-scale miners under the guise of combating illegal mining. This purported exploitation, according to GNASM, is significantly hindering national efforts to curb illicit mining activities and is causing immense distress to law-abiding miners across several regions of Ghana. The Association asserts that this behavior not only jeopardizes the livelihoods of miners but also constitutes a grave violation of human rights and fuels corruption within the mining sector.
GNASM’s National Communications Director, Abdul Razak Alhasan, articulated the Association’s concerns during a press conference, highlighting the systematic harassment, intimidation, and extortion faced by their members. He pointed fingers at elements within law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, and politically exposed persons who allegedly operate their own unauthorized task forces, driven by personal gain rather than the pursuit of justice. These accusations paint a troubling picture of abuse of power and exploitation, where those entrusted with upholding the law are accused of perpetuating injustice against vulnerable miners.
Alhasan further detailed the tactics employed by these alleged perpetrators, including unwarranted raids on mining sites, often conducted with impunity under the protection or influence of powerful political figures. He also revealed that some police checkpoints specifically target miners transporting gold, accusing them of illegal possession despite having legitimate documentation for their mining operations. This targeting, according to GNASM, suggests a deliberate campaign to extort money from miners, further highlighting the corruption that permeates the sector.
At the heart of these exploitative practices, according to GNASM, are politically exposed persons who leverage their influence and connections to transform public authority into a private enterprise. These individuals, Alhasan claims, manipulate security agencies, exploit regulatory loopholes, and even support illegal miners to seize control of licensed concessions, driven solely by profit and power, not by any genuine concern for environmental protection or legal compliance. These actions, GNASM argues, directly undermine the government’s formal small-scale mining initiatives and the broader Reset Agenda, a program aimed at revitalizing and formalizing the small-scale mining sector.
The implications of these accusations are far-reaching. The alleged actions not only threaten the livelihoods of small-scale miners but also erode public trust in law enforcement and government institutions. The corruption and extortion described by GNASM create an environment of fear and insecurity, hindering the development of a responsible and sustainable mining sector. Moreover, the involvement of politically exposed persons raises concerns about the depth of corruption and the challenges in holding powerful individuals accountable.
GNASM’s call for an immediate end to these practices underscores the urgency of the situation. The Association demands an end to the exploitation and harassment of small-scale miners, urging authorities to investigate these serious allegations and bring the perpetrators to justice. Their appeal highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within the mining sector and a renewed commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of legitimate miners. The situation demands a comprehensive response from the government, including robust oversight of law enforcement agencies, stricter enforcement of regulations, and measures to prevent the abuse of power by politically exposed persons. Only through decisive action can the cycle of exploitation and corruption be broken, paving the way for a more just and sustainable small-scale mining sector in Ghana.
