GNASSM Calls on Gov’t to Rescue Small Scale Miners from Injustices and Intimidation

GNASSM Calls on Gov’t to Rescue Small-Scale Miners from Injustices and Intimidation

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi

 The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has expressed deep concerns over the systematic harassment, intimidation, and alleged extortion of small-scale miners by some elements within law enforcement agencies and politically exposed persons.

Mr Abdul -Razak Alhasaan, National Communication Director of the Association at a press conference in Kumasi stated that they are calling on the government to intervene and protect the rights of small-scale miners.

According to him, small-scale miners in various regions are being targeted and terrorized by security agencies and politically exposed persons who manipulate the system for profit and power. The association alleges that some police officers and security agencies storm mining sites, confiscate equipment, demand illegal payments, and violently eject miners from land they have legally licensed to mine.

GNASSM is demanding stronger protection for licensed small-scale miners, including clear protocols for police operations on mining sites. The association suggests that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) should be adequately resourced to handle illegal mining issues in a more coordinated approach.

GNASSM proposes an alternative approach that involves engaging with illegal miners and working with them to correct the mess they have created and formalize their operations where practicable. The association is prepared to lead in realizing this approach if given the opportunity.

GNASSM also calls for capacity building for security agencies to understand the small-scale mining operations and licensing regime. Regulatory agencies like the Minerals Commission should be part of the operations of the taskforce to reduce the rate at which licensed small-scale miners are being abused and driven out of their legitimately acquired concessions.

The small-scale mining sector has huge socio-economic prospects if properly managed. The association highlights the employment opportunities, supply of raw gold for value addition, and integration into the local economy as benefits that cannot be overemphasized.

GNASSM demands the immediate release of all excavators and other machinery seized from licensed small-scale mining sites. The association calls on all stakeholders to demand accountability and justice for small-scale miners, emphasizing that “if justice does not reach the deepest pits where miners toil under the sun, then our democracy is only a word, not a reality.