Small Scale Miners Accuse Prez Mahama Of Betrayal

Members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) in the Amansie South District have strongly criticized President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of breaking key promises made during the 2024 election campaign to protect and promote small-scale mining.

According to the group, ongoing harassment by security forces, as well as the seizure and burning of mining equipment, directly contradict Mahama’s campaign assurances that, they say, influenced their overwhelming support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the last election.

At a press conference held in the district, Mr. Kwaku Abonee, widely known as Osama, condemned the continued operations of the illegal mining task force in Amansie South. He noted that while similar task forces have been withdrawn from other districts, the force remains active in theirs, causing fear and unrest among local miners.

“After the national executives’ press conference, we expected all illegal mining task forces to be withdrawn, as was done in other districts. But here in Amansie South, the attacks and harassment continue, and it’s giving us sleepless nights,” he said.

Honourable Isaac Anning, the association’s financial secretary, raised concerns over the psychological impact of the task force’s presence on the community, particularly on schoolchildren.

“Children are afraid to go to school. People fear stepping out of their homes. We are calling on the government to immediately withdraw these security personnel from our district,” he appealed.

Despite their frustrations, the miners emphasized their commitment to responsible mining. Mr. John Henry Damah, district secretary of the association, reaffirmed their support for the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, particularly those operations polluting river bodies.

“We are not against the fight against illegal mining. We fully support the government in protecting our water bodies, land, and forests. But genuine, licensed small-scale miners must be protected, not harassed,” he stressed.

The group is now calling on both His Excellency President Mahama and the current administration to fulfil their promises and engage in meaningful dialogue with licensed small-scale miners to find lasting and sustainable solutions.