Ashanti Small-Scale Miners Plead for Mining Concessions

Small-scale miners in Ghana’s Ashanti Region are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, for help in obtaining mining concessions.

Spokesperson Felix Yaw Andam stated that the lack of available concessions—largely due to leases held by multinational and local large-scale operators—is threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on small-scale mining.

The group also decried harassment by police and security forces at mining sites.

Despite these challenges, the miners reiterated their support for the government’s anti-illegal mining (galamsey) initiatives and pledged to mine responsibly.

They emphasized their role in contributing local taxes and development funds and called on the government to ensure their survival by allocating more concession areas.

Adu Gyamfi, Ashanti regional secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, backed the appeal, urging the government to prioritize the youth’s employment in the mining sector.