Small scale miners call for collaboration from Prez Mahama's govt to strengthen mining laws and environmental protection
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has urged the government to prioritise collaboration in critical areas of the mining sector to ensure sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, and signed by its General Secretary, the association called for a stronger partnership with President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to enforce mining laws, particularly those targeting environmental degradation and water pollution.
The GNASSM stressed that such collaboration is essential to address the pressing challenges posed by illegal mining, commonly referred to as galamsey, which has significantly impacted Ghana’s water bodies and forest reserves.
The association also congratulated President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging the trust the people of Ghana have bestowed upon his leadership.
“The overwhelming support and endorsement from the people of Ghana is a testament to the trust they have placed in your leadership and vision for the nation’s future. We commend your commitment to advancing the growth and development of the country,” the association noted.
The small-scale miners reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with President Mahama’s administration to promote environmental stewardship, particularly in protecting water bodies and forest reserves.
GNASSM acknowledged the critical role small-scale miners play in Ghana’s mining sector, assuring that they “remain steadfast in our mission to combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.”
The association highlighted the barriers they have overcome in collaboration with successive governments but noted that much more needs to be done in the fight against illegal mining and environmental degradation.
They specifically called for collaboration in the areas of enforcing mining laws, especially those related to environmental degradation and water pollution; engineering and designing mining equipment; site planning and layout; and the use of mining engineers.
The association also emphasized the need to empower mining communities, civil society organizations, mining associations, and the media to build their capacities in addressing the illegal mining menace at the local level.
Additionally, GNASSM called for a strong partnership with the government to foster attitudinal change toward environmental preservation.
“As we move forward, we are committed to deepening this collaboration to ensure that Ghana’s mining industry thrives in an environmentally responsible manner, benefitting both the nation’s economy and its future generations,” the statement read in part.