Stop the Guns, Start the Talks-Ashanti GNASSM Boss After Bonteso Mining Clash

Stop the Guns, Start the Talks-Ashanti GNASSM Boss After Bonteso Mining Clash

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Frank Osei, widely known as Denero, has appealed for calm and dialogue after violent clashes between a police task force and residents of Bonteso in the Ashanti Region.

The disturbances, which reportedly led to arrests and alleged fatalities, have heightened tension in the community.

During a solidarity visit, Mr. Osei urged government to suspend what he described as forceful operations against miners, insisting that dialogue and education-not confrontation-remain the only sustainable path.

“We admit mistakes happen in our operations, but the way they are being handled is not right. What we need is proper dialogue and training so that reclamation is done consistently after mining.”-Frank Osei, GNASSM Ashanti Chairman

He warned that mining is one of the few job opportunities left for Ghanaian youth and should be supported with fair policies.

“We have only one Ghana. Too many young people are leaving for Libya and elsewhere because of hardship. Mining offers jobs and hope. If there are problems, they should be corrected with good policies, not gun attacks.”

Mr. Osei further condemned what he sees as a deliberate attempt to criminalize Ghanaian miners while others are shielded.

“It is unfair to brand us as criminals. We are not criminals. What we need is fairness and proper regulation.”

The GNASSM chairman reaffirmed his Association’s readiness to partner with government and stakeholders to push responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country.