The Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has accused President 's government of targeting its members in the renewed fight against galamsey, instead of actually fighting the menace.
The government formed the 'Operation Halt' taskforce to clamp down on illegal miners and prevent the country's river bodies from further pollution.
However, a week after the team was dispatched, the small-scale miners have described the operation as a PR gimmick, claiming that government appointees with mining concessions in forest reserves have been exempted.
Speaking to Power Kasiebo on October 16, 2024, the President of the Association, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, said the task force was ordered not to enter forest reserves because NPP appointees are mining in those areas. "The government said we are fighting galamsey, but they have directed the soldiers not to go to the forest reserves and rather focus on the river bodies.