Africa-Press – Ghana. A group calling itself Concerned Youth of Denkyira, have called on the government to stop the Anti-Galamsey Taskforce from extorting money from miners and focus on carrying out their duties responsibly.
Speaking at a press briefing at Dunkwa-on-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, the spokesperson for the group, Nana Ampedu, alleged that members of the Anti-Galamsey Taskforce often demanded money from both legal and illegal miners before allowing them to operate.
He appealed to the government to show commitment by warning the taskforce to stop such acts to enable licensed miners to work without intimidation or harassment.
Nana Ampedu also appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to consider appointing one of their own to a ministerial position, emphasising that residents of Upper-Denkyira-East voted massively for the NDC during the 2024 elections.
Mr Richard Tutu Boahene, a counsellor for the Concerned Youth, said the taskforce often took bribe from illegal miners to protect their operations.
He added that the taskforce sometimes demanded goods in addition to money and urged the government to take their concerns seriously.
The group’s treasurer, Mrs Ernestina Amakye, also appealed to the government to fix the deplorable roads linking Dunkwa-on-Offin to Ayanfuri, and Dunkwa-on-Offin to Twifo Praso, suggesting that these routes be included in the “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
She reiterated calls on the government to allow licensed miners to operate freely while taking firm action to stop illegal mining activities in river bodies and forest reserves.
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