- Small-scale miners appeal to President Mahama
- Destruction of excavators deemed "counterproductive"
- Miners urged to safeguard equipment
The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners, Ghana (NCASMG) is urging President John Mahama to intervene and put an end to the ongoing destruction of excavators by the Forestry Commission.
The association is also calling for an investigation into the rationale behind these actions, questioning their effectiveness in addressing illegal mining practices. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, President of NCASMG, expressed deep concern over the continued use of this method, arguing that it has proven ineffective in resolving the issue of illegal mining.
“This approach is counterproductive. Rather than destroying these valuable resources, they could be repurposed to fill mining pits and help restore degraded lands. This would be a more sustainable solution for the environment and the future of the mining industry,” Mr. Peprah said during an interview with Adom News.
He further pointed out that the destruction of excavators results in many pits being left uncovered, which poses serious risks to both the environment and the economy.
“The ongoing destruction of these machines will ultimately result in a loss of money for the country. If this is the strategy we are using to solve illegal mining, then we have already failed as a nation,” he warned.
Mr. Peprah also criticized the Forestry Commission’s approach, describing it as a “lazy man’s approach” to tackling the issue of illegal mining. He stressed that more sustainable solutions need to be explored and implemented.
In light of the ongoing situation, Mr. Peprah has advised small-scale miners to take extra precautions to protect their equipment from destruction.
“I urge all miners to safeguard their machinery to prevent it from being set on fire,” he advised.
