GNASSM calls for NAIMOS withdrawal and urgent probe into reported Manso Keniago deaths

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has called for the immediate suspension of NAIMOS operations in Manso Keniago and a thorough investigation into a reported confrontation that allegedly left five people dead and nearly 30 others injured.

The call was made by the Ashanti Regional Secretary of GNASSM, Michael Adu-Gyamfi, after the association visited the community to engage traditional authorities and residents about the incident.

According to Mr. Adu-Gyamfi, accounts gathered during the visit suggested that the confrontation occurred when NAIMOS officials allegedly attempted to transport an excavator through the community’s principal streets.

He said traditional authorities objected to the movement of the machine through the town and requested that it be transported using a low-bed truck. He added that the incident was reportedly not connected to mining operations at the time.

“We were told that the excavator was being moved through the principal streets, although the traditional authorities had asked that a low-bed truck be used. This disagreement eventually led to the unfortunate incident,” Mr. Adu-Gyamfi said.

He urged the government to investigate the reported deaths and review NAIMOS’s activities, stressing that GNASSM was not demanding the permanent abolition of the task force.

“We are not calling for the complete withdrawal of NAIMOS from the fight against illegal mining. We are asking for a review of its operations so that the task force and small-scale miners understand their respective mandates,” he stated.

Mr. Adu-Gyamfi also called for a round-table meeting involving the government, NAIMOS and GNASSM to establish clear and coordinated enforcement procedures.

“The current approach is creating tension and may be promoting illegal mining instead of fighting it. We need a system that allows all stakeholders to work together peacefully,” he added.

GNASSM further alleged that some members’ excavators had been seized and later returned after payments were made. Mr. Adu-Gyamfi claimed that substantial sums were allegedly demanded in some cases, with the lowest alleged charge reaching about GH¢100,000.

He called for an independent investigation into the violent act and urged the government to ensure that all enforcement activities were conducted lawfully and transparently.