Members of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association in Manso-Watreso and nearby communities in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have accused police officers from Bekwai, operating under the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, of persistent harassment and extortion.
In a statement, the miners alleged that police officers frequently visit mining sites operated by their members under the guise of operations, during which they allegedly demand and collect money without clear justification.
Some members further claimed that the officers often remove number plates from vehicles used during these exercises, a practice they say makes it difficult to properly identify the vehicles or verify the legitimacy of the operations.
The association condemned what it described as ongoing harassment and has appealed to the Minister of the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Amansie West, South and Central District Security Councils to intervene to prevent a possible escalation of tensions.
According to the miners, they lodged a formal complaint with the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, who assured them that the officers involved would be cautioned. However, they claim the situation has since worsened.
The group said that although they have endured the alleged actions for some time, they remain committed to the rule of law and will continue to use appropriate channels to seek redress.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to educating their members to comply with the revised anti-illegal mining directives issued by the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, which prohibit mining in forest reserves, along river bodies and roadsides, and ban the involvement of foreigners in illegal mining activities.
