Concerned Small-Scale Miners demand investigations into Manso Kaniago killings

The National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association says the fight against illegal mining must not be waged at the expense of human lives and constitutional rights.

This follows the clash between operatives of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and residents of Manso Keniago in the Ashanti Region, which has resulted in six deaths and left many injured.

The group insists that the incident must be treated as a human rights concern.

"The killing of citizens must not be treated as an ordinary operational incident. Where there are allegations of unlawful use of force resulting in death, the matter must be treated as a serious criminal and human rights concern," the Association stated.

In a press release signed by its President, Michael Kwadwo Peprah, the Association extended condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Manso Kaniago community, while strongly condemning what it described as the loss of innocent lives.

They further demanded an immediate, independent and impartial investigation into the killings, with direct presidential intervention from President John Dramani Mahama.

"The mere ownership or possession of an excavator is not, in itself, a criminal offence under Ghanaian law. Therefore, law enforcement operations must be guided by the law, proper procedures and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens," it said.

The Association stressed that it is not opposed to the operations of NAIMOS or the government's efforts to combat illegal mining, but warned that the alleged actions of a few individuals could undermine the credibility of the entire anti-galamsey fight.

It cautioned against a shoot-to-kill approach, noting that such acts are unsustainable.

While calling for accountability for any officer found to have acted unlawfully and a review of NAIMOS operational procedures, the Association emphasised that environmental protection cannot be separated from human rights.

"The fight against illegal mining must not become a fight against innocent citizens. Environmental protection and the enforcement of mining laws must go hand in hand with respect for human life, justice and the rule of law," it added.

The group appealed to President Mahama to act swiftly before the incident develops into a broader national concern and creates public resentment against the government, warning that failure to address incidents involving the alleged excessive use of state power can have serious political and public consequences.

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining and support for the fight against illegal mining, but said it will not remain silent when the lives and rights of citizens are allegedly put at risk in the name of enforcement, insisting that justice must be served and the people of Manso Kaniago deserve answers.