Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Small-Scale Miners Association, Michael Adu Gyamfi, has alleged that some security officials mandated to clamp down on illegal mining have been taking bribes from galamseyers.

He also cited political interference and a lack of coordination among state agencies tasked with tackling the menace as other reasons hindering the effectiveness of the fight against illegal mining.

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According to him, the growing number of security teams conducting separate operations at mining sites has created confusion and, in some cases, opened the door for officials to allegedly demand money from illegal miners rather than enforce the law.

Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio on Monday, August 10, 2026, Adu Gyamfi claimed the current approach to the galamsey fight had become fragmented, with different security units carrying out operations without a clear and coordinated strategy.

He cited the involvement of units such as the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service in mining-site operations as an example of what he described as the disorderly approach in combating the menace.

Adu Gyamfi further alleged that some security officials, military personnel and politicians had established their own task forces, which he alleged were being used to extort money from illegal miners.

His comment follows the first anniversary of the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight persons, including public officials who were travelling to Obuasi for an anti-galamsey event.

In his estimation, the tragedy should have served as a turning point in the country's fight against illegal mining, but the posturing of actors has betrayed the cause.

However, he believes that the lack of meaningful progress means the sacrifice of those who died risks losing its significance.

"We extend our condolences to the eight individuals who lost their lives. It was a dark day in the history of our country. As an association, we were devastated, but we believe that without the success of the fight against illegal mining, their deaths will be in vain," he stated.

Adu Gyamfi also blamed political interference and what he described as institutional compromise for the continued difficulty in dealing with illegal mining.

"Until the politicians stop their interference in small-scale mining issues and illegal mining, we will still encounter the issues. Galamsey is a menace. Government involvement in illegal mining is also a challenge. Sadly, those tasked with fighting illegal mining are compromised. They are accepting bribes and making money instead of dealing with the issue of galamsey. We cannot continue this way and expect the galamsey fight to succeed," he said.

Adu Gyamfi challenged authorities and the public to visit Kumasi to see what he described as the reality of the galamsey enforcement regime.

"The fight against galamsey has turned into a field day for security officials. We are witnessing sanctioned and unsanctioned operations by the security agencies to the point that we have officers from the Anti-Robbery Unit of the Ghana Police Service storming sites. Come to Kumasi and witness the situation for yourself," he stated.

NA/VPO

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