Small Scale Miners in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti Region have vowed to expose any recalcitrant miner who goes against the government's new directives on mining activities in the country.

Speaking to JoyNews, the miners said they would do everything humanly possible to ensure compliance with the directive by all members.

Leader of the group, Daniel Kwaku Mensah stated that they will abide by the directives and provide maximum support. 

It is part of the miners' plans to inaugurate a task force to assist security agencies to crack down mining activities as directed by the President, he added.

He said that "we will meet again and set up task force to deal indiscipline miners. Even right now, we will make sure those who go against the directive will be dealt with."

Mr Mensah also said the task of the security agencies to implement the directive must not be compromised adding that many of them were accused recently.

"One of the challenges is the work of the government's task force. Some of them come and claim government has sent them to embark on the operation. We don't even know where they come from. They are tarnishing the image of the government."

The Lands and Natural Resources Ministry on April 21, issued a directive to suspend reconnaissance or prospecting activities in all forest reserves across the country. The directive took full effect on Friday, April 30.

The suspension of reconnaissance came to light after it was revealed that a number of individuals and companies unlawfully acquire licences under the pretext of undertaking reconnaissance or prospecting in Forest Reserves and yet proceed to engage in illegal mining in such forest reserves, with adverse consequences on the environment.

A press statement signed by Deputy Minister-Designate, Benito Owusu-Bio, indicated that the government has deployed security officials to specific areas in order to apply the law and sanction individuals who infringe the law.

Patron of the group Otumfour Mmentiahene Nana Tweneboah Kodua,  pledged his commitment and unwavering support for government.

He said the chiefs will make sure lands given to small scale miners are totally reclaimed for future use.

"As chiefs, we will also ensure government succeeds in this business. If the government permits someone to mine in our jurisdictions, we will monitor and make sure they conduct themselves well. We will not give lands to people will destroy them."