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Accusations of Extortion and Harassment: Manso Nyankomase Miners Speak Out Against Military Presence

Introduction

Tensions have escalated in the Manso Nyankomase area of the Ashanti Region as local miners level serious accusations against military personnel deployed to oversee land reclamation efforts. According to reports from the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, soldiers tasked with monitoring the area are allegedly engaging in extortion and physical harassment. This unfolding situation highlights the complex and often volatile intersection of natural resource management, state security, and the livelihoods of artisanal miners. As the reclamation exercise continues, the miners are demanding immediate intervention from the Ghana Armed Forces High Command and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to address what they describe as systematic oppression.

Key Points

Background

The current conflict has deep roots in the history of land use and mining rights in the Amansie South District. The controversy began in October 2024, when residents of Manso Nyankomase resisted a government-led reclamation initiative. The resistance stemmed from the belief that a specific concession within the area had been legally contracted to a private individual, not the state. This disagreement led to violent confrontations between the local community and military personnel deployed to enforce the reclamation.

During the initial clashes, five people reportedly sustained injuries, prompting the citizens to stage a protest to condemn the alleged brutalities and demand accountability from state authorities. Although local government intervention managed to restore calm, the military remained stationed in the community. This sustained presence has created a climate of fear, which the miners now claim is being exploited. They argue that the soldiers are no longer merely overseeing the reclamation workout but are actively targeting approved miners at their various sites, turning a regulatory operation into a source of personal revenue and intimidation.

Analysis

The Dynamics of Land Reclamation Conflicts

Land reclamation in mining areas is a critical environmental strategy intended to restore land to a safe and productive state. However, the execution of these policies often creates friction. In the case of Manso Nyankomase, the conflict is not just about environmental restoration but about ownership and economic survival. The miners’ allegations suggest a breakdown in the chain of command and accountability. When military personnel, who are meant to serve as peacekeepers and enforcers of the law, are accused of extortion, it undermines the legitimacy of the reclamation exercise itself.

Impact on Small-Scale Miners

For the members of the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, the stakes are incredibly high. Small-scale mining (often referred to as “galamsey” in local parlance, though “legal small-scale mining” is the correct term for licensed operators) is a primary livelihood for many in the Ashanti Region. The allegations of equipment confiscation and physical harassment threaten not only their immediate income but also their long-term ability to operate legally. The claim that confiscated equipment is not processed through standard police channels but kept at reclamation sites raises questions about due process and the potential for asset forfeiture without legal basis.

Chain of Command and Accountability

The miners’ call for the Military High Command to intervene is significant. It indicates that the miners believe the actions are rogue behaviors not sanctioned by the upper echelons of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). If verified, these allegations would constitute a breach of military code of conduct and could have severe legal implications for the officers involved. The situation calls for a transparent investigation to distinguish between lawful enforcement of reclamation laws and criminal extortion.

Practical Advice

For miners operating in Manso Nyankomase and similar areas facing security challenges, adhering to safety and legal protocols is essential. Here are steps to consider:

Documentation and Evidence Gathering

Miners should maintain meticulous records of their mining licenses and permits. In the event of an interaction with security personnel, documenting the incident (time, date, names if possible, and nature of the interaction) is crucial. While caution is advised to ensure personal safety, having a verifiable record helps when presenting cases to investigative bodies.

Reporting Channels

It is vital to use official channels for reporting grievances. The miners have already engaged the National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, which is the correct first step. Subsequently, reports should be directed to:

• The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
• The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) High Command for military misconduct.
• The Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for allegations of extortion and assault.

Legal Counsel

Miners facing equipment confiscation should seek legal advice regarding their property rights. Understanding the legal framework surrounding asset seizure in Ghana can help miners determine if a confiscation was lawful or arbitrary.

FAQ

Conclusion

The allegations brought forward by the miners of Manso Nyankomase paint a troubling picture of the challenges facing the small-scale mining sector in Ghana. The reclamation exercise, while necessary for environmental sustainability, must be conducted within the bounds of the law and with respect for human rights. The claims of extortion, harassment, and illegal confiscation of property by military personnel demand a swift and transparent investigation by the Ghana Armed Forces High Command and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Ensuring justice and restoring trust between the mining community and state security forces is essential for the sustainable future of Ghana’s mining industry.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily – Original Report on Manso Nyankomase miners’ allegations.
• National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association – Official statements and press releases.
• Ghana Armed Forces – Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures.
• Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) – Legal framework for mining and concessions in Ghana.