An intervention by the Lands Minister, Armah Kofi Buah, averted what could have been a fatal clash between two groups allegedly operating under a government taskforce to fight illegal mining in the Western Region.

JoyNews sources indicate the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce was resisted in an attempt to disarm another group claiming to work with the government's authorization.

The near-clash was halted by the Minister for Land and Natural Resources, who reached out to the parties on the phone.

The composition of the alleged fake operatives remains unknown, but it is believed their existence is threatening the illegal mining fight.

Some members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners have been affected by the activities of this group accused of extortion.

They seize and sometimes burn excavators found during their operations.

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association has also revealed a similar group posing as the government' taskforce has been terrorizing licensed miners.

President Kwadwo Peprah indicated that the miners are losing their investments due to the illegality.

They further accuse the group of extortion of miners operating legally.

Background:

The government of the NDC, upon assumption of power early this year, renewed the fight against illegal mining.

It established the National Anti-Galamsey Taskforce to complement the efforts of other security agencies in tackling the menace of illegal mining.

However, the government's efforts are being undermined by the activities of the alleged counterfeit group.

Some members of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners who are affected by the counterfeit grouping are calling on the government to halt their activities.

They fear some fatalities may be recorded if the illegality continues.

Some of the companies argue that the actions of this illegal group are not only damaging to their businesses but also undermining the government's efforts to regulate the mining industry.

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association also believe the counterfeit grouping, if allowed to exist, could negatively affect the industry and the Gold Board's operations.

Meanwhile, President John Mahama and the Lands Minister, Armah Kofi Buah have been commended by the registered mining groups for their efforts to sanitize the mining industry.

However, the groups have urged the President and Minister to take immediate action to disband the rogue taskforce to ensure that the legitimate mining industry is protected.

Some of the affected miners are also calling on the government to take decisive action to address the situation and prevent further chaos.