Galamsey: Multiple task forces fueling intimidation, extortion

The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, Michael Adu-Gyamfi, has raised concerns over what he describes as uncoordinated and unregulated anti-illegal mining operations across the country.

The remarks come amid heightened national efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which has devastated forests, rivers, and farmlands across Ghana.

However, concerns persist about coordination, extortion, and fairness in the enforcement process.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Monday, June 30, 2025, Mr. Adu-Gyamfi said multiple task forces operating under different state agencies have created confusion on the ground, resulting in intimidation and extortion of small-scale miners.

“We have realised that there are several operations ongoing, and our observation proves that the institutions are uncoordinated and unregulated,” he said.

“In my jurisdiction, I have five zones, each of which covers a full district. On any given day, you may find three or four different operation teams showing up at one mining site — all claiming to be on the same anti-galamsey mission.”

He noted that these teams often claim to be acting on orders from national, regional, or district authorities, making it difficult for miners to determine their legitimacy.

“This disorganisation has opened the door for some miscreants to intimidate and extort from our people under the guise of enforcement,” he added.

Mr. Adu-Gyamfi called on the government to review the current approach to the anti-illegal mining fight, stressing the need for clear coordination and accountability to ensure effective enforcement without abuse.

He also questioned the growing role of the Minerals Development Fund in leading anti-galamsey operations, expressing confusion over the mandate of such an institution.

“We cannot even understand what Dr. Hannah Bissiw is doing. At what point did her group become a task force for illegal mining? We have never heard of this in our lives — the Minerals Development Fund is now leading a galamsey task force? What kind of institution is that?” he asked.