Members of the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association in Manso-Watreso and surrounding communities in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have accused police officers from Bekwai, under the Ashanti South Regional Police Command, of harassment and extortion.
In a statement, the miners alleged that officers from the command frequently visit mining sites operated by their members to carry out operations, during which they allegedly demand and collect money without justification.
Some miners claimed the officers often remove the number plates from vehicles used during these operations, making it difficult to properly identify them or verify the legitimacy of the exercise.
The group has condemned what it described as persistent harassment and is calling on the Minister of the Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, the Ashanti Regional Minister, as well as the Amansie West, South and Central District Security Councils to intervene to prevent any potential escalation.
According to the miners, a formal complaint was submitted to the Ashanti South Regional Police Commander, who assured them the officers involved would be cautioned.
However, they claim the situation has since deteriorated.
The miners said that while they have endured the alleged actions for some time, they remain law-abiding and will pursue appropriate channels to ensure their concerns are addressed.
They also pledged to continue 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 bar the involvement of foreigners in illegal mining activities.
