The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners in Ghana (NCASMG) has strongly condemned the Forestry Commission’s recent burning of excavators, calling the practice illegal, ineffective, and detrimental to both livelihoods and the national economy.
The Association argues that the government has not done much to address the underlying causes of illegal mining (galamsey) by continuing to rely on this contentious strategy.
The destruction of valuable mining equipment, which has led to job losses and further destabilized the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners, has instead made economic hardship worse.
The NCASMG president, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, signed a press release expressing the organization’s extreme dissatisfaction with what it calls a “lazy approach” to stopping illicit 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 unauthorised operations, could have been confiscated and repurposed for land reclamation projects,” the statement read.
The Association emphasized that the destruction of excavators is making Ghana’s economic situation worse rather than solving the crisis. Small-scale mining is essential to the survival of thousands of workers, and the loss of vital equipment jeopardizes their capacity to make a living.
Ernest Adofo, the Bekwai Forestry District Manager, was also charged by NCASMG with orchestrating the burning of excavators in the Manso region while allegedly permitting some miners to continue their operations prior to the general elections in 2024.
“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. Prioritise land reclamation efforts – Instead of destroying equipment, the government should utilise seized machinery for environmental restoration projects.
5. Concerns Over Political Targeting and Selective Law Enforcement
