The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners at Amansie South in the Ashanti Region says the anti-galamsey taskforce’s presence and what he terms ‘Rambo-style’ approach is scaring students in the enclave away from classrooms.
According to the Association, the modus operandi of the security taskforce is not community-friendly, especially on the children in the area.
Addressing the media, the association said they are in support of the government’s fight against galamsey but advised that the tasksforce uses a different approach in combating the illegal mining menace.
“When the children hear the sound of the gunshot and the machomen harassing people, they choose not to come out,” said Kwaku Abone, Chairman of the Amansie South Small Scale Mining Association.
He said they are ready to support the government and help identify the illegal miners and arrest them without putting fear in children.
“Aside from that, the task force also harasses some licensed small-scale miners as most of their excavators and equipment are burnt,” he added.
Some teachers who spoke to Adom News also confirmed that attendance of students has reduced and called on Ghana Education Services and the Ministry of Education to intervene.
“We all support the fight against galamsey because all our land and water bodies are destroyed by these illegalities, but the tasksforce approach is now affecting education too,” they said.
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