The Regional Secretary of the Small Scale Miners Association in Ashanti, Michael Adu Gyamfi, has stated that licensed small-scale miners are authorized to possess firearms.
He explained that due to the frequent attacks by armed robbers and other individuals, his members have been permitted to carry licensed guns for protection.
Mr Gyamfi made this known during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, highlighting the risks associated with their line of work.
“We are licensed to carry guns. Given the nature of our work, we are vulnerable to attacks by armed robbers, which is why we are allowed to carry licensed firearms,” he said.
His comments came in response to the Jacobu incident, which resulted in one death following clashes between individuals believed to be small-scale miners and others.
Adu Gyamfi refuted claims that small-scale miners were responsible for the attack on the police, emphasizing that the incident was unrelated to small-scale mining activities.
Additionally, Gyamfi expressed concern over the intimidation of small-scale miners by the police, calling for authorities to intervene and ensure proper regulation of the sector to prevent extortion and intimidation.
He noted that despite the change in government, some police officers continue to harass local small-scale miners in their mining areas.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
