Burning of excavators is unconstitutional, We know the grounds well to deal with illegal mining – Frank Osei
Frank Osei, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Small-Scale Miners Association, has condemned the ongoing practice of burning excavators on illegal mining sites, describing it as unconstitutional and counterproductive.
Speaking on Kessben FM’s morning show, Osei criticized the government’s task force and security agencies for destroying mining equipment without due process, arguing that such actions violate the rights of miners and go against the laws of Ghana.
Osei further explained that while illegal mining, or ‘galamsey’, remains a serious issue, the method of enforcement being adopted by state agencies often leads to collateral damage, affecting even legitimate licensed miners. He called on authorities to adopt a more lawful, collaborative approach to combat the menace.
The burning of excavators and mining equipment by military and security task forces has been a controversial strategy in recent years. While some argue it’s an effective deterrent, critics like Osei say it violates property rights, causes economic hardship, and fuels distrust between miners and the state.
The Small-Scale Miners Association is now calling for the establishment of a formal task force led by experienced local miners, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, to help identify and remove illegal operators while protecting legal ones.
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