NDC National Organiser, Joseph Yamin
The National Organiser of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Yamin, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to suspend all security operations aimed at fighting illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
Speaking on the recent clash between an anti-illegal mining taskforce and residents of Bonteso, Yamin accused members of the various security taskforces engaged in anti-galamsey operations of extorting money from illegal miners instead of combating the menace.
“I am telling the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, that as a matter of urgency, he should order a stop to any mining operations being carried out,” he said.
“What the taskforces are doing can never be said to be fighting illegal mining but rather extorting money and creating problems. So, the President must order the IGP and the Interior Minister that whichever taskforce is on the field, they should immediately halt all the operations,” he added.
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He questioned the modus operandi of the taskforce, stressing that there is a need for consultations and sensitisation for the fight against galamsey to be effective.
According to him, the operations of the taskforces are becoming more problematic instead of providing solutions to the canker.
A routine anti-illegal mining patrol turned violent on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, when members of the Inspector General of Police’s Special Anti-Galamsey Taskforce clashed with armed locals at Bonteso, leading to the arrest of an assemblyman and three others.
The incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when the taskforce spotted an excavator actively engaged in illegal mining within a pit, causing severe environmental destruction.
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As the team moved to seize the machine, the assemblyman for the area, identified as Patrick Asare, allegedly mobilised a group of illegal miners to resist the operation.
Witnesses and police reports indicate the miners pelted stones and other objects at the officers, openly threatening bloodshed and daring the team to remove the excavator.
Two individuals were seen firing pump-action guns at the officers, injuring ASP Bawah Abdul Jalil and G/Sgt Agblekpe Mawuena Yao in the head, mouth, and leg.
The miners also blocked all exit routes in an attempt to trap the officers on site.
GA/MA
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