The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), the official body representing licensed small-scale miners in Ghana, has called on various entities advocating for a blanket ban on small-scale mining to cease such demands.
The association firmly opposes any broad prohibition, arguing that the calls for such a ban are misdirected and unfairly target legal operators while failing to address the real culprits of environmental degradation—illegal miners, often referred to as “galamsey” operators.
Speaking at a press briefing, the General Secretary of GNASSM, Godwin Amarh, emphasized that the association’s members are not responsible for the environmental contamination, especially of water bodies, caused by illegal mining. He clarified that any ban should target those engaged in galamsey, as they operate without the necessary legal permits and licenses, unlike GNASSM’s registered members who have gone through the required legal procedures to operate.
Amarh reminded the public of the consequences of the 2017-2018 ban on mining activities, which severely impacted the livelihoods of their members, leading to financial difficulties and, in some cases, loss of life due to extreme financial constraints. He argued that a similar ban would again devastate legal small-scale miners who are committed to responsible mining practices.
“Our association seeks to become the leading organization promoting responsible artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana and across Africa. We are dedicated to discouraging illegal mining activities entirely,” Amarh declared, outlining GNASSM’s vision for a regulated and sustainable small-scale mining sector.
He also made it clear that members of the association are not licensed to operate within forest reserves and have not taken any steps to secure mining rights in these protected areas. Amarh rebutted claims that registered small-scale miners are responsible for environmental destruction in such areas. “No licensed small-scale miner operates on river bodies. It is the illegal miners who should be the focus of attention,” he stated. He urged authorities to compile accurate data on those engaged in illegal mining and enforce sanctions as stipulated by the law.
According to Amarh, the association’s position is that a blanket ban on all small-scale mining is unnecessary. Instead, the government and stakeholders should focus on those operating without proper licenses and hold them accountable. He called for clear differentiation between licensed small-scale miners, who comply with the law, and illegal miners, who operate outside the legal framework and are the true cause of environmental harm.
He further stressed that the issue of illegal mining, or galamsey, is a national problem that should be addressed without political bias or manipulation. Amarh urged all presidential candidates from various political parties to clearly state their positions on the fight against galamsey, which needs to be stopped to protect Ghana’s environment and natural resources.
Highlighting the formation of the association, Amarh noted that GNASSM was established in 2011 with the support of the Minerals Commission under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703, subsection 90(e)). Since its inception, the association has strived to represent the interests of its members while promoting responsible mining practices.
In conclusion, GNASSM reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and sustainable mining practices and called for an end to the wrongful vilification of licensed small-scale miners. The association stands ready to collaborate with the government, stakeholders, and the public to promote a fair, transparent, and regulated small-scale mining sector that benefits all Ghanaians while protecting the environment.
