Small-scale miner sues government over burnt excavators

A small-scale miner at Abekoase in the Eastern region, Patrick Addei Danquah, has sued the government following the burning of his excavators and other mining equipment worth $1.6 million.

Mr Danquah explained that he duly acquired a license to engage in small-scale mining but the government added him to the illegal miners (galamseyers) and burnt his equipment.

To that end, he said on the Ghana Yensom show on Accra 100.5FM on Tuesday, 10 February 2020, that he has filed a case in court demanding a judgment debt against the state.

Mr Danquah told show host Kwabena Prah Jnr (The Don) that partisan politics has characterised the attempt by the current government in the fight against galamsey.

This situation, he said, was not helpful.

“Because of politics they destroyed my equipment and excavator worth $1.6 million,” he lamented.

“I was duly licensed to engage in small-scale mining but the government added me to the illegal ones and burnt my equipment. I've sued for judgment debt because I have the license to mine,” he added.