GNASSM Unveils Timetable for 2026 Elections
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has unveiled a timetable for its 2026 executive elections, with the zonal polls scheduled for November 13, district elections on December 20 and national executive elections on December 22.
The elections will mark the end of nearly seven years without fresh elections, as the association prepares to elect new executives to steer its affairs for the next four years.
Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi, Ashanti Regional Secretary of GNASSM, announced the electoral timetable at a press conference in Kumasi on Friday, October 16, 2026.
He explained that the association’s constitution required its executives to serve four-year terms, after which fresh elections must be organised.
According to him, the delay in conducting the elections was partly due to the need to establish a comprehensive database of members across the country to ensure a more reliable and credible electoral process.
He noted that previous elections had been conducted under improvised arrangements, prompting the association to register its members nationwide before proceeding with the 2026 elections.
Mr. Gyamfi stressed that only registered members in good standing would be eligible to contest and vote in the upcoming elections.
He therefore urged members interested in contesting for executive positions to prepare adequately and encouraged all eligible members to participate actively in the electoral process.
Election Committee
The Ashanti Regional Secretary disclosed that the association had tasked the Owusu Achiaw Election Committee with designing and preparing the electoral framework for the upcoming elections.
He said the committee had completed its preparations and would work with representatives from the various districts to ensure a smooth and credible exercise.
According to him, the representatives would serve as an extension of the committee, helping to oversee the zonal elections and assisting the Electoral Commission during the district elections.
He said the press conference was organised to inform the general public about the electoral timetable and encourage members to participate in the process.
GNASSM Raises Mining Licence Concerns
Meanwhile, Mr. Gyamfi identified delays in the issuance of small-scale mining licences as one of the association’s major concerns, calling on the government to clarify its position on proposed changes to the licensing framework.
He expressed concern that the government had yet to make sufficient progress in issuing licences to prospective small-scale miners who wished to operate legally.
He explained that obtaining the requisite licences was essential for miners to conduct their activities lawfully and distinguish legitimate small-scale mining from illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to him, the association had received information that the government intended to revise the existing licensing system but was awaiting a clear decision on the proposed changes.
He called on the government to expedite the process and communicate its position to enable prospective miners to obtain the necessary documentation to operate within the law.
Mr. Gyamfi maintained that a clear and efficient licensing framework would help miners who were prepared to comply with the law to secure the required authorisation and undertake their activities legally.
