The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana (NCSSMAG), has dismissed reports suggesting it is opposed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Task Force on small-scale mining, stressing that it does not support illegal mining (galamsey).
In a statement released on Thursday, the Association said recent voice notes circulating on social media had been misinterpreted, creating the impression that the group was against the ongoing clampdown on illegal mining.
“The Association has consistently opposed galamsey and will continue to support all lawful measures aimed at eradicating the menace,” NCSSMAG President Michael Kwadwo Peprah stated.
He emphasized that the Association fully backs the IGP and security agencies in their efforts to regulate the small-scale mining sector, describing their work as “critical to ensuring order, fairness, and sustainability in the industry.”
Addressing concerns raised in the voice notes, the group clarified that the message was directed at licensed small-scale miners whose equipment had been seized during recent operations.
NCSSMAG urged affected miners with valid documentation to contact the Association’s office for assistance in retrieving their machines.
The Association also reiterated its commitment to environmental protection. It commended journalist Erastus Asare Donkor and other advocates for highlighting the devastation caused by galamsey on water bodies, and announced plans to establish a Task Force on Environmental Restoration to rehabilitate rivers and communities impacted by mining.
“This statement is intended to clear any misconceptions regarding the Association’s stance. We remain committed to protecting the environment, supporting legitimate miners, and collaborating with government institutions to ensure that small-scale mining in Ghana operates within the bounds of the law,” the statement concluded.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
