The swift intervention of Minister of lands and Natural Resources, Armah Kofi Buah, averted what could have escalated into a violent confrontation between members of the officially sanctioned National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce and an unrecognized group claiming to operate under similar authority in the Western Region.
According to insider accounts, the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce had received intelligence about the operations of a parallel group posing as an official entity.
Reacting to this, the legitimate taskforce was reportedly prepared to confront the imposters.
However, the situation was defused when the Minister, upon being alerted, placed a timely phone call that calmed tensions and prevented a physical altercation.
Sources indicate that this unauthorized group was allegedly created by certain self-interested but influential individuals within the ruling party.
Their activities are said to be undermining the government’s campaign against illegal mining.
An informant confirmed that the rogue group had been spotted at several mining sites across the country, including in Prestea, where they reportedly burned 60 excavators without any official warrant.
Another similar case was reported in the Ashanti Region, where the group is alleged to have been involved in the destruction of confiscated equipment.
Reports suggest that these individuals often present themselves as members of the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce, using this guise to extort money from licensed miners through threats.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, upon assuming office in 2025, established the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable practices.
However, efforts by the legitimate taskforce are being disrupted by this unauthorized parallel group.
While the government-sanctioned taskforce is focused on regulating and sanitizing the mining industry, the rogue faction is accused of escalating instability and sowing confusion in mining communities.
Affected miners expressed deep frustration and concern over the unauthorized group’s operations. They emphasized that the group’s actions are more harmful than helpful and pleaded with the government to intervene immediately.
Some miners warned that a failure to clamp down on this group could severely affect legitimate mining operations and derail national anti-illegal mining strategies.
Checks at the Presidency suggest that neither President John Dramani Mahama nor Lands Minister Armah Kofi Buah had any prior knowledge of those behind the creation of the unauthorized taskforce.
Legitimate small-scale mining companies that have suffered at the hands of this group are calling on the government to take urgent steps to safeguard their businesses and restore order.
The emergence of this rogue taskforce has raised alarms regarding the safety and security of miners and their assets. The arbitrary seizure and destruction of mining equipment not only result in financial loss but also endanger lives.
In the past week alone, two separate press briefings were held by the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMA) and the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) to express their outrage over the group’s activities.
GNASSM warned that if the illegal taskforce continues unchecked, it could jeopardize the government’s Goldbold initiative, which is aimed at promoting responsible mining practices.
Mr. Kwadwo Peprah, President of NCSSMA, voiced serious concerns about the parallel group’s conduct and called on the government to step in and reestablish order in the sector.
Despite the controversy, President Mahama and Minister Buah were commended by mining groups for initiating the national taskforce. However, stakeholders insist that urgent steps must now be taken to dismantle the rogue group.
Affected miners are urging the government to act decisively to prevent further disruption and restore confidence in the mining regulatory framework.
“The activities of the illegal taskforce are having a significant impact on the mining industry, causing financial losses and undermining the government’s efforts to regulate the sector. The government needs to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that the mining industry operates in a safe and responsible manner,” an industry representative emphasized.
Another miner echoed the sentiment, calling for swift and firm government action to prevent further escalation and protect legitimate operations.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
