Small-Scale Miners in Amansie South Accuse Mahama of Betrayal Over 2024 Campaign Promises

Members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region have expressed deep disappointment in  President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of failing to uphold his 2024 campaign promises to protect and sustain small-scale mining in Ghana.

At a press conference held in the district, the miners said they feel betrayed after massively voting for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections, based on Mahama’s clear assurance that legal small-scale miners would be protected and supported under his leadership. According to them, the current spate of police and military harassment, equipment seizures, and what they describe as unlawful excavator burnings sharply contradict those promises.

Mr. Kwaku Abonee, popularly known as Osama, who is one of the prominent leaders in the mining sector in the area, lamented that while other districts have seen the withdrawal of illegal mining taskforces, Amansie South remains under intense pressure from security operations.

“After the press conference organized by the national leadership of our association, we were informed that the taskforces deployed to various mining districts had been recalled. However, in Amansie South, the taskforce is still active and constantly harassing our members. They continue to seize equipment and arrest miners with no clear basis. These attacks are giving us sleepless nights,” Mr. Abonee stated.

He added that many of the miners who believed in the NDC’s promise to revive and support the legal small-scale mining industry are now regretting their decision, as the situation on the ground is the direct opposite of what was promised.

Hon. Anning Isaac, the Financial Secretary of the GNASSM in Amansie South, also expressed grave concern about the social impact of the persistent security presence in the area. He said the ongoing military operations are instilling fear in the local population, including school children.

“Children are afraid to go to school because of the way armed men patrol the community. Parents are living in fear, and others have even stopped going to their farms. We’re calling on the government to immediately withdraw the taskforce from Amansie South,” Hon. Isaac appealed.

Meanwhile, Mr. John Henry Damah, the District Secretary of the Association, clarified that they are not against the government’s efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly those destroying river bodies. However, he emphasized that legitimate small-scale miners, who are working within the legal framework, should not be targeted or victimized in the process.

“We want to state categorically that we support any genuine effort by the government to fight galamsey on water bodies. But licensed miners who operate legally on land should not be punished for the crimes of others. It is unfair and contrary to what President Mahama promised us,” Mr. Damah said.

The miners have called on the NDC flagbearer to act swiftly and intervene to restore their confidence in his leadership. They say failure to address their grievances may affect their support base going forward, as many now feel deceived and abandoned.

As tensions continue to rise in Amansie South, community members and local stakeholders are urging for dialogue and a more balanced approach to mining sector regulation—one that supports livelihoods while protecting the environment.