The Small Scale Miners Association has expressed deep concern over illegal miners' involvement in Ghana's river mining.

According to the association, they are completely against mining activities in rivers and will ensure an immediate clampdown on all such operations.

The small scale miners are, therefore, demanding a complete and immediate halt to illegal mining, which is devastating Ghana’s water bodies. They have vowed to patrol mining areas and arrest perpetrators to protect the environment.

The association claims they are aware of the significant involvement of politicians who have recruited foreigners, mainly from Togo, into the country for the purpose of river mining.

According to the association, the aim of these politicians, who are providing financial and logistical resources to the illegal miners (galamseyers), is to incite public disaffection for the government and make it unpopular ahead of the December elections.

The association’s task force, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, stormed River Mankran in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region, uncovering the extent of the illegal activities.

At the River Mankran site, mining equipment was seized, while others, such as chamfi machines, were burned to ashes by the association’s task force.