The Chamber of Mines has appealed to government to as a matter of urgency deploy military personnel to protect licensed mining firms in the country.

The Chamber’s Chief Executive Sulemana Koney said it has credible information of eminent attacks on mining firms from now till the 2024 general elections by illegal miners and youth in some mining communities.

Last Thursday, the Benso operational area of Golden Star Resources was attacked by illegal miners resulting in one death and total destruction of the operational site.

According to its Communications Director, Gerald Boakye, it is unclear when the company will resume operations.

It is on the back of this and the intel that Mr Koney wants government to consider deploying the military to protect mining firms.

“We’re getting very concerned about the increasing spate of encroachments and violent attacks on Ghanaians, expatriates and properties of mining companies. We would continue to work with government and state institutions to help us with security.

“But I think it is getting out of hand because if you consider what is happening within the subregion, the state should show serious interest and act proactively,” he said.

According to him, the government has always responded reactively to security threats, the reason the problem has not been curbed.

“It is becoming a nightmare. All mines are practically on edge and it is not good for business.”