The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) has expressed concern over the clash between some small scale miners and security personnel at the AngloGold Ashanti mining company, which resulted in the death of eight people.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the association communicated its condolences to the families of the victims.
“National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) expresses its profound concern over the recent shootings and ongoing challenges related to illegal mining activities across the country,” part of the statement read.
While mourning with the families of the eight people who died during the clash, the group condemned the incident and demanded immediate and thorough investigations into it.
“First and foremost, we condemn the violent incidents, particularly the shooting of individuals who were simply seeking to make a livelihood. These actions are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for justice for those who lost their lives.”
Read the full statement below:
National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED TO ADDRESS ILLEGAL MINING ISSUES AND ENSURE JUSTICE
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana (NCSSMAG) expresses its profound concern over the recent shootings and ongoing challenges related to illegal mining activities across the country. We strongly condemn the tragic loss of lives and extend our condolences to the families of those affected.
Condemnation of Violence and Call for Justice
First and foremost, we condemn the violent incidents, particularly the shooting of individuals who were simply seeking to make a livelihood. These actions are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for justice for those who lost their lives. No one should lose their life in such circumstances, and we demand thorough investigations into these incidents to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.
Root Causes of Illegal Mining
The persistent issues surrounding illegal mining (galamsey) have been exacerbated by the failure of past administrations to implement sustainable solutions. Previous governments, particularly under the leadership that ignored the well-crafted recommendations of the Dr. Anyimadu-Antwi-led committee, bear significant responsibility.
The committee had proposed a relocation plan that would have relinquished 60% of mining concessions to indigenous small-scale miners. Unfortunately, instead of supporting this initiative, these concessions were handed over to politicians, businessmen, and foreign entities, including Chinese companies. This selfish decision has contributed to the proliferation of illegal mining and the social and environmental crises that we now face.
Case Studies from Other Countries
Countries like Peru, Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, and Zimbabwe have implemented policies to regulate and manage small-scale mining effectively. In Ghana, however, these opportunities were squandered. For example, in Kingasini, small-scale miners were successfully relocated, creating peace and stability in the mining community. Ghana can learn from these examples to resolve ongoing conflicts and mitigate the effects of illegal mining.
Our Demands
The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association is calling for the following immediate actions:
1. Investigations and Accountability:
• Investigate the misallocation of the 60% relinquished concessions meant for small-scale miners.
• Hold accountable the individuals and entities who facilitated these decisions.
1. Implementation of Sustainable Policies:
• Revisit and implement the recommendations of the Dr. Anyimadu-Antwi-led committee.
• Ensure that mining concessions are fairly allocated to indigenous miners to promote inclusivity and local economic growth.
1. Support for Small-Scale Miners:
• Provide technical, financial, and logistical support for indigenous small-scale miners to operate sustainably and responsibly.
• Establish clear policies to curb illegal mining while creating legitimate opportunities for small-scale miners.
1. Publication of Reports and Prosecution of Perpetrators:
• Publish all findings related to the illegal allocation of mining concessions.
• Prosecute those who misused their positions to benefit at the expense of Ghanaian miners and communities.
Conclusion
The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association remains committed to engaging stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the sector. We urge the government and relevant authorities to act swiftly to address these pressing issues. The future of Ghana’s mining communities depends on the decisions we make today.
Signed:
Michael Kwadwo Peprah
President
National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana
Date: January 21, 2025
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