The National Investigations Bureau is on a hunt for persons using the names of government officials to extort money from small-scale miners.

Head of the Ashanti Regional Security Council, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, says his office continues to receive complaints from government officials over the alleged use of their image for the purpose.

“I get concerns from people in higher places that some people are using their names, so there are some of them that I have referred to the NIB to investigate and be able to make sure that we get a culprit”, he said.

He spoke at a meeting between the Concerned National Small Scale Miners Association and the Ashanti Regional Minister, centred on sanitising the mining industry for a sustainable environment.

The miners who appreciate the fight against illegal mining raised concerns over some persons extorting money from them under the guise of the galamsey fight. 

In a response, the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene indicated some interventions are already in place to deal with influence peddling.

“I want to get a scapegoat so that the influence peddling, especially when it gets to illegal mining, can leave the system,” he said.

He wants small-scale miners to aid in investigations by arresting persons who make such demands.

The Regional Coordinating Council has waged a fight against illegal mining with a task force of security operatives and enforcement agencies taking the lead.

Already, the task force says it has succeeded in retrieving some forests from illegal miners.

Dr. Amoakohene says the war against galamsey will be sustained.

“The President has been clear on his directive concerning mining. No to forest, no to roadside and water bodies, we are ready to support in any other aspects to ensure they do what is right”, he added.