Members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) have raised serious concerns about individuals impersonating national security operatives in the Ashanti Region.

The association claims that these individuals, dressed in military attire and using Land Cruisers, are extorting money from its members.

According to GNASSM, its members have repeatedly encountered these fake operatives, but attempts to verify their operations through official channels have been unsuccessful.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Michael Adu-Gyamfi, the GNASSM Ashanti District Secretary, stated that information gathered by the association suggests these impersonators are exploiting the government's initiative to clear miners from "red zones," such as forest reserves and river bodies, for their personal gain.

He further noted that most of the affected members do not even operate in these restricted areas.

"We are receiving calls from our members across the Ashanti Region about these military operations. They approach people while dressed in military attire, using Land Cruisers, and parade themselves as national security operatives, extorting money from our members. Every time we try to verify their operation with the relevant authorities, we are told no such mission has been sanctioned," Adu-Gyamfi revealed.

GNASSM warned that if these incidents persist, there could be violent clashes between its members and the impersonators, potentially leading to fatalities.

The association urged President John Dramani Mahama, Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the matter and take immediate action against these imposters.

"We are drawing the attention of the president and the regional minister to this issue. They need to be vigilant and ensure that those falsely posing as security operatives are stopped for the good of the people of Ghana and the mining industry," Adu-Gyamfi added.

He further disclosed that some of these fake operatives allegedly collude with certain assemblies to issue fake receipts to unsuspecting miners who are operating legally.

Despite these concerns, GNASSM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government's efforts to combat illegal mining and promote sustainable small-scale mining practices in Ghana.

The association pledged to assist in the fight against illegal mining and uphold responsible environmental stewardship.

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