GNASSM Cries Foul Over Rising Harassment of Licensed Miners
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) in the Ashanti Region is raising alarm over what it describes as unfair treatment and targeted harassment of licensed miners by security operatives under the guise of fighting illegal mining.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the Regional Secretary of the Association, Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi, decried the recent wave of security operations which, according to him, have left many genuine miners in distress, despite their full compliance with legal and environmental requirements.
“These are men and women who have followed the right processes, obtained legal concessions, and invested heavily in doing things the right way,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi said. “Yet, they wake up to harassment, shutdowns, and threats, all under a loosely coordinated campaign against illegal mining.”
Mr. Adu Gyamfi called for an urgent reassessment of the government’s enforcement strategy in the small-scale mining sector, urging authorities to adopt a more structured and transparent approach that distinguishes between legal miners and illegal operators, commonly referred to as galamseyers.
He emphasized the need for security agencies to respect the “Red Zone Policy”—a framework that identifies restricted areas for mining activity—and work in partnership with the Association to flush out offenders operating in these protected zones.
“We support the government’s efforts to clean up the sector, but it must be done fairly and in consultation with stakeholders,” he added. “The current system is chaotic, uncoordinated, and is beginning to affect the very people who are helping to grow the economy legally.”
The Association lamented that the small-scale mining industry, despite its contribution to job creation and local economic development, continues to be vilified and broadly criticized, often with little regard for its legitimate players.
“Let’s not forget that this sector contributes significantly to employment, revenue generation, and community infrastructure. It deserves to be protected and guided, not destroyed,” the secretary emphasized.
GNASSM used the occasion to reiterate its willingness to partner with government and its agencies, particularly through its internal taskforce, to identify and uproot illegal miners operating in red zones and environmentally sensitive areas.
The Association concluded by urging calm among its members and encouraging government to consider establishing a better-coordinated response mechanism that ensures responsible miners are not punished alongside offenders.
“We are ready to play our part in safeguarding the environment and sustaining livelihoods. All we ask is that the law be applied with fairness, clarity, and respect,” Mr. Adu Gyamfi concluded.
