Members of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association in Manso-Watreso and nearby communities within the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have levelled accusations of harassment and extortion against police personnel from Bekwai, operating under the Ashanti South Regional Police Command.
In a statement issued by the association, the miners claimed that officers from the command routinely storm mining sites run by their members under the guise of official operations, during which they allegedly demand and receive money without providing clear justification.
Some affected miners further alleged that the officers frequently remove number plates from vehicles used at the mining sites, a practice they say makes it difficult to identify the vehicles involved or confirm the legitimacy of the operations.
The association has strongly criticised what it describes as continued intimidation and is appealing to the Minister of the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the District Security Councils of Amansie West, South and Central to intervene to avert any possible escalation of the situation.
According to the miners, a formal petition was earlier submitted to the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, who reportedly assured them that the officers implicated would be cautioned.
Despite this assurance, the group claims conditions have worsened since then.
The miners stated that although they have tolerated the alleged conduct for some time, they remain committed to operating within the law and will continue to pursue appropriate institutional channels to have their grievances addressed.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to educating their members to adhere strictly to the revised anti-illegal mining directives issued by the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. These directives prohibit mining in forest reserves, along river bodies and along roadsides, and bar foreign involvement in illegal mining activities.
Source: CNR
