The Ashanti Regional Police Command has urged miners to report any police officers who visit mining sites to demand or extort money. This statement comes as the Ghana Police Service has not been tasked with conducting illegal mining enforcement operations. Instead, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) is currently responsible for leading the government's fight against illegal mining. Miners are advised to report any police officers found independently operating at mining sites.
According to Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Ashanti Regional Police Command, the police have been repeatedly informed that they are not authorised to conduct illegal mining enforcement operations at mining sites. He made this statement during a panel discussion on TV3's Climate Talks 2026, Kumasi edition. Supt Ahianyo assured miners that complaints against officers involved in such conduct would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
The clarification comes after allegations by the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Michael Adu Gyamfi, that some police officers and other taskforces extort money from miners during enforcement operations. Supt Ahianyo responded to these allegations, stating that any officer found independently operating at a mining site and demanding money should be reported to the Regional Police Command.
The police spokesperson assured miners that they have the vehicle numbers of the police teams and can take action against those officers. He stressed that no police team is supposed to go to a mining site, as it is solely the responsibility of NAIMOS. Miners are encouraged to report any police officers who visit their sites to demand or extort money.
Supt Ahianyo's statement aims to address concerns about police involvement in illegal mining activities. The Ghana Police Service has not been tasked with enforcing laws related to illegal mining, and any attempts by police officers to do so are unauthorised. The police command is taking steps to ensure that miners are aware of their rights and can report any incidents of extortion.
The issue of illegal mining has been a significant concern in Ghana, with the government taking steps to combat the practice. NAIMOS has been leading the efforts to address illegal mining, and the police are working to support these efforts. By clarifying their role, the police aim to prevent unauthorised activities and ensure that miners are not exploited.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command's statement serves as a reminder to miners to report any incidents of police extortion. The police are committed to investigating complaints and taking action against officers involved in such conduct. This move aims to promote transparency and accountability within the police service and prevent exploitation of miners.
Key points
- The Ghana Police Service has not been tasked with conducting illegal mining enforcement operations.
- NAIMOS is currently responsible for leading the government's fight against illegal mining.
- Miners are urged to report any police officers who visit mining sites to demand or extort money.
