GNASSM Calls Out Increasing Licensed Miners’ Harassment.

Under the pretence of combating illicit mining, security personnel have been harassing licensed miners in the Ashanti Region, according to the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), which is expressing alarm about what it calls unjust treatment.

The Association’s Regional Secretary, Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi, spoke at a news conference in Kumasi and criticized the recent security operations, saying that many legitimate miners are in hardship despite following all legal and environmental standards.

According to Mr. Adu Gyamfi, “these are men and women who have invested heavily in doing things the right way, followed the proper procedures, and obtained legal concessions.”

“Yet, they awaken to threats, shutdowns, and harassment all part of a poorly organized campaign against illicit mining.” In the small-scale mining industry, Mr. Adu Gyamfi demanded that the government immediately reevaluate its enforcement strategy.

He urged authorities to take a more organized and open approach that makes a distinction between legitimate miners and illicit operations, sometimes known as galamseyers.

Mr. Adu Gyamfi underlined the necessity for security forces to adhere to the “Red Zone Policy,” which is a structure that designates regions that are off-limits to mining operations, and collaborate with the Association to remove criminals from these protected areas.

He continued, “We back the government’s efforts to clean up the sector, but they must be fair and involve stakeholders.”

“The very people who are contributing to the lawful expansion of the economy are starting to feel the effects of the current system, which is disorderly and poorly coordinated.” The Association bemoaned the continued demonization and widespread criticism of the small-scale mining sector, frequently with little consideration for its genuine participants, despite its role in generating jobs and boosting the local economy. Remember that this industry plays a major role in creating jobs, generating income, and maintaining community infrastructure. The secretary underlined that it should be guided and safeguarded rather than destroyed.

In order to detect and remove illicit miners operating in red zones and environmentally vulnerable areas, GNASSM used the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to working with the government and its authorities, especially through its internal taskforce.

To guarantee that responsible miners are not penalized alongside violators, the Association urged its members to remain calm and urged the government to think about implementing a better-coordinated response mechanism.

In order to protect the environment and maintain livelihoods, we are prepared to contribute.

Mr. Adu Gyamfi said, “All we want is that the law be implemented fairly, clearly, and with respect.