NDC Urges Suspension of Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force Operations
The National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress, Joseph Yamin, has made an urgent appeal to President John Mahama to halt all anti-illegal mining task force operations nationwide.
In the wake of a recent clash between community members and police in Bonteso, Ashanti Region, resulting in injuries and arrests, Yamin, along with Deputy National Secretary Mustapha Gbande, visited the affected community to assess the situation.
Concerns Over Task Force Actions
Yamin described the actions of the task force as “very unfortunate,” alleging that security personnel were using anti-galamsey operations as a guise for extortion rather than effectively combating illegal mining activities.
During a community gathering that included police commanders, mining association executives, and local leaders, Yamin criticized the operational methods of the security teams, highlighting the lack of proper verification processes for legal miners.
Call for Review and Education
Yamin urged for a comprehensive review of the current approach to anti-galamsey operations and emphasized the need for proper education to address the underlying issues. He warned that without intervention, the operations would only serve to enrich individuals without effectively tackling illegal mining.
The Bonteso incident has sparked further scrutiny of anti-galamsey tactics, raising concerns about alleged extortion and abuse by security forces conducting mining enforcement operations.
