The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners, Ghana (NCASMG) has strongly condemned the recent burning of excavators by the Forestry Commission, describing the practice as illegal, ineffective, and harmful to both livelihoods and the national economy.

The Association argues that the government’s continued reliance on this controversial approach has done little to address the root causes of illegal mining (galamsey). 

Instead, it has exacerbated economic hardship by destroying valuable mining equipment, resulting in job losses and further destabilizing the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners.

In a press release signed by its president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, NCASMG expressed deep frustration with what it describes as a “lazy approach” to combating illegal mining.

“While we acknowledge the urgent need to combat illegal mining, the burning of excavators is not a sustainable or effective solution. Many of these machines, even if used in unauthorized operations, could have been confiscated and repurposed for land reclamation projects,” the statement read. 

The Association stressed that rather than addressing the crisis, the destruction of excavators is worsening Ghana’s economic situation. Thousands of workers depend on small-scale mining for their survival, and the loss of critical equipment threatens their ability to earn a living.

NCASMG further accused the Bekwai Forestry District Manager, Ernest Adofo, of leading the burning of excavators in the Manso area while allegedly allowing certain miners to operate before the 2024 general elections. 

The group claims that some illegal mining operations were overlooked, raising concerns about corruption and selective enforcement of the law.

NCASMG called for an immediate investigation into the Forestry Commission, alleging selective enforcement and political bias in its actions.

“There are instances where government officials have granted mining permits to some individuals, yet their machines are being destroyed without due process. Meanwhile, in other areas where miners operate without the necessary documentation, their activities remain unchecked,” the statement noted.

The Association is urging the government, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and all relevant authorities to take the following steps:

1. Immediately halt the burning of excavators – The destruction of mining equipment does not solve the galamsey crisis but instead deepens financial losses and unemployment.

2. Conduct a full audit and investigation into the Forestry Commission’s operations – Any officials found to have engaged in corruption or abuse of power should be held accountable.

3. Ensure fairness and transparency in enforcement – All miners, regardless of political affiliation or connections, must be treated equally under the law.

4. Prioritize land reclamation efforts – Instead of destroying equipment, the government should utilize seized machinery for environmental restoration projects.

5.

Concerns Over Political Targeting and Selective Law Enforcement

NCASMG has raised further concerns that the Forestry Commission’s actions disproportionately affect miners who are perceived to be affiliated with opposition parties or those without political connections.

The Association argues that while small-scale miners many of whom are Ghanaian citizens are being targeted, large-scale mining concessions owned by politically connected individuals and foreign entities remain untouched, despite their environmental impact.

“If illegal mining is to be tackled effectively, it must be done without favouritism or discrimination.

The government cannot continue to protect foreign-owned mining companies while destroying the livelihoods of its own people,” the statement emphasized.

NCASMG cited instances where extensive concessions have been granted to foreign companies, yet enforcement actions against them have been nonexistent. By contrast, local miners, particularly those in opposition strongholds, have allegedly faced aggressive crackdowns, including the destruction of their equipment.

Reaffirming its commitment to responsible mining and environmental conservation, NCASMG insists that the government’s approach to fighting Galamsey must be legal, fair, and effective.

The Association is calling on President John Dramani Mahama and his administration to immediately halt the destruction of mining equipment and adopt a more sustainable approach to addressing the issue.

“The livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians depend on small-scale mining, and it is imperative that policies are implemented in a way that supports legal and responsible mining rather than destroying the means of livelihood for many,” the statement concluded.

NCASMG warned that if its concerns are not addressed, it will take further action to defend the rights of small-scale miners.