The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners, Ghana (NCASMG) has strongly criticized the Forestry Commission’s recent practice of burning excavators, describing it as unlawful, ineffective, and detrimental to both livelihoods and the national economy.
According to the Association, the government’s continued reliance on this approach has failed to address the root causes of illegal mining and has instead deepened economic hardships by destroying valuable mining equipment, leading to job losses for thousands of small-scale miners.
In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, NCASMG expressed frustration with what it termed a “lazy approach” to addressing illegal mining.
“While we acknowledge the need to curb illegal mining, the burning of excavators is neither a sustainable nor an effective solution. Even if used in unauthorized operations, these machines could have been confiscated and repurposed for land reclamation projects,” the statement read.
The Association argued that the destruction of excavators further strains Ghana’s economy, as many workers depend on small-scale mining for their livelihood, and the loss of critical equipment threatens their means of survival.
Additionally, the group accused the Bekwai Forestry District Manager, Mr. Ernest Adofo, of leading the destruction of excavators in the Manso area while allegedly permitting certain miners to operate before the 2024 general elections. The Association claimed that some illegal mining activities were overlooked, raising concerns about selective enforcement and corruption.
NCASMG is calling for an immediate investigation into what it deems the unjust actions of the Forestry Commission, alleging that the agency applies the law unfairly and with political bias.
“There are cases where government officials have issued mining permits to individuals, yet their excavators are being destroyed without due process. Meanwhile, in other instances, miners operating without permits are left untouched,” the statement emphasized.
The Association has urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other relevant authorities to immediately halt the burning of excavators, conduct a comprehensive audit of the Forestry Commission’s actions, and hold accountable any officials found guilty of misconduct.
Furthermore, they stressed the need for fairness and transparency in law enforcement, urging the government to prioritize land reclamation efforts instead of destroying equipment that could be used to restore the environment.
The group also condemned what it described as the government’s preferential treatment of foreign-owned mining companies, arguing that while Ghanaian small-scale miners are being targeted, large-scale mining concessions owned by politically connected individuals and foreign entities remain untouched, despite the environmental damage they cause.
“If illegal mining is to be effectively addressed, it must be done without favoritism or discrimination against Ghanaian citizens,” the statement concluded.