The Green Traceability Minds Foundation (GREEN T), has given government a 21-day ultimatum to halt what it calls the harassment, intimidation and extortion of licensed artisanal and cooperative miners by unauthorised security personnel and self-styled taskforce operatives.
In a statement issued on July 23, 2026, and signed by Francis Opoku, PRO of the foundation, said licensed miners continue to face arbitrary seizure of equipment and demands for money before excavators and machinery are released, despite operating within the law.
GREEN T argued that the actions undermine government’s efforts to formalise the sector through the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), and the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The foundation noted that the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector now contributes over 40% of Ghana’s total gold production. It cited data showing the sector exported 103 metric tonnes of gold valued at approximately US$10.8 billion in 2025, surpassing large-scale mining for the first time.
Between January 2025 and May 2026, it added, GoldBod purchased and exported gold worth US$16.11 billion, with about 98% of the purchases coming from small-scale miners.
“Given this contribution to forex reserves and the strength of the cedi, licensed miners deserve protection, not harassment,” the statement said.
Allegations of Extortion
GREEN T expressed concern that miners who have registered under rCOMSDEP and obtained licences are still being targeted, even when operating outside prohibited areas such as forests, water bodies and road reservations.
It alleged that excavator parts are frequently seized without due process, with miners compelled to pay cash for their release.
The foundation also referenced similar concerns raised by the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) over multiple taskforces and individuals posing as security personnel to extort money from miners.
It said although the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources had announced plans to introduce an identification system for anti-galamsey taskforce members, little has been done to shield licensed operators from abuse.
Demands
GREEN T is demanding that government: direct all security agencies and taskforces to stop harassing licensed miners immediately; establish a mandatory ID system for all authorised officers at mining sites; investigate and prosecute persons involved in extortion; release all equipment seized from licensed miners without due process; and provide adequate protection for rCOMSDEP-registered cooperative miners.
The organisation said small-scale miners remain committed to responsible and traceable mining in line with GoldBod’s vision.
However, it warned that if the issues are not resolved within 21 days, miners may be forced to suspend operations “to protect their livelihoods and dignity.”
GREEN T has also called on civil society organisations, the media and the general public to support its demand for justice and protection for licensed small-scale miners.
By David Afum, Kumasi