Accra: The National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners (NCASSM) is demanding a probe into the utilisation of over $200 million allocated between 2017 and 2024 to combat illegal mining (galamsey) in the country. The association alleges mismanagement of resources meant for interventions to curb the existential threat to livelihoods.
According to Ghana News Agency, a press statement issued by the association raised concerns on the misuse of funds on interventions such as procurement of pick-ups, drones, GPS tracking devices, the Galamstop app, and training of drone pilots, among others. The statement, which was signed by its President, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, calls for the government to assemble an independent committee to audit the expenditure of the campaign and examine the procurement and deployment of resources like drones, trucks, and GPS devices.
The association further called on the government to investigate reports of mismanagement of seized mining equipment and hold accountable those responsible for their sale or destruction. It emphasized the need for the committee to provide a full report on failed initiatives, including the GalamStop application, and to determine who benefited from them and why they were not properly implemented. They also demand that individuals or groups found to have misused public funds or diverted resources intended for the fight against galamsey be prosecuted.
According to the association, success in the fight against galamsey would only be possible if public resources were used transparently and effectively. They implored the government to work with stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry to develop sustainable solutions and implement rigorous monitoring of anti-galamsey initiatives. "We, the National Concerned Association of Small-Scale Miners, pledge our support to the government in its efforts to combat illegal mining," the statement said, while stressing that this support must be matched by transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The association concluded by calling on all Ghanaians to demand accountability to safeguard the future of small-scale mining and protect the country's natural resources.
(GNA)
