The Ashanti Regional branch of the Scrap Dealers Association has announced plans to roll out official identification cards for its members, aiming to address rising incidents of mob attacks and wrongful accusations linked to their trade.
In an interview, the Regional President of the association, Abdulai Jagala, highlighted the growing hostility faced by genuine scrap dealers during their daily operations. He noted that many members have been subjected to harassment, injuries, and even death due to public perceptions that often equate scrap dealing with theft and criminal activities.
“Over the years, genuine scrap dealers have suffered several attacks, with some members killed and others injured. To prevent these unfortunate incidents, we are introducing ID cards to distinguish our members from impostors,” Jagala stated.
The introduction of the ID cards is expected to help community members and security agencies easily identify registered and legitimate scrap dealers, thereby reducing suspicion and preventing avoidable confrontations. Jagala described the initiative as a key step towards sanitizing the industry and rebuilding public trust in scrap dealing operations across the Ashanti Region.
He cited a recent violent incident at Ntensere, where residents attacked scrap dealers over suspicions of criminal involvement. Jagala called the event “unfortunate and avoidable,” stressing that a proper identification system could have de-escalated the situation.
The association’s president also expressed disappointment over the lack of arrests following the Ntensere mob action, describing it as unjust. He urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in bringing perpetrators to justice and to take measures that would deter future attacks.
Jagala reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting lawful and transparent operations within the scrap business. He emphasized that the ID card system will not only protect genuine members but also help eliminate impostors who tarnish the reputation of the trade.
The move comes amid broader efforts by the association to professionalize scrap dealing and foster a safer working environment for its members in the region.
This initiative is expected to be implemented soon, with further details on the rollout to be announced by the association.
