GNASSM Urges IGP to Uphold Integrity and Rein in Police Excesses in Anti-Galamsey Operations
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called on the newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to ensure that the police’s anti-illegal mining task force operates within a clearly defined and transparent mandate.
Addressing the media, the Ashanti Regional Secretary of GNASSM, Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi, expressed growing concern over what he described as excessive and unlawful actions by members of the anti-galamsey unit. He said while the association fully supports the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, it is crucial that such efforts are executed with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rights of licensed miners.
“Many of our members have reported incidents where police officers seize excavators parked away from active mining sites—equipment that was not in use but rather secured for safety,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi stated. He also raised alarm over alleged harassment by officers who obstruct the movement of mining machinery to approved concessions, warning that such actions could fuel bribery and corruption.
One of the most pressing concerns, according to Mr. Adu Gyamfi, is the reported coercion of lowbed truck drivers to transport seized equipment without compensation. “This is unfair and demoralizing,” he added, urging the IGP to intervene promptly.
Mr. Adu Gyamfi stressed the importance of learning from past mistakes that have rendered previous anti-galamsey campaigns largely ineffective. “If we keep repeating the same missteps, we cannot expect different results,” he cautioned.
GNASSM is advocating for a clearly defined operational framework that distinguishes between licensed small-scale miners and illegal operators. The association maintains that ensuring fairness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law will lead to more sustainable and effective outcomes in the national fight against galamsey.
