By GhanaNewsPage 
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has urged the government to take immediate and decisive action against illegal mining in the country.
At a press conference held in Kumasi on October 4, members reiterated their commitment to fight galamsey in the country.
The General Secretary of GNASSM, Godwin Armah, said the press conference was part of the Association’s initiative, dubbed ‘Operation Save Our Waters: A Quest for Equity’.
The Press conference highlighted GNASSM’s deep concern over the destruction of Ghana’s water bodies and forests caused by illegal mining.
Mr. Armah emphasized the unity displayed by various stakeholders, including organized labor, civil society organizations (CSOs), and religious bodies, all of whom have expressed their disapproval of illegal mining activities.
This collective voice, according to GNASSM, is unprecedented in addressing an issue of national significance.
Mr. Armah outlined the Association’s long-standing efforts to prevent illegal mining and stressed GNASSM’s commitment to supporting the fight against the ongoing menace.
He shared key steps the Association is taking in collaboration with the government and other stakeholders:
1. Taskforce Deployment: GNASSM will deploy its taskforce to water bodies to arrest illegal miners and stop the pollution of rivers.
The taskforce will also target miners operating dangerously close to highways and those involved in the fabrication of dredgers. Mr. Armah called for government’s support in the form of personnel and logistical aid to ensure the success of this initiative.
2. Licensing Restrictions: The Association urged the government to reconsider the granting of mining licenses for operations within forest reserves, as these areas are critical to the country’s environmental sustainability.
3. Enforcement of Mining Laws: Mr. Armah reiterated that ‘galamsey’ is illegal under Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) as amended. He called on the government to enforce the existing laws through its agencies, ensuring that offenders are sanctioned appropriately.
4. Call to Avoid National Strike: GNASSM acknowledged the concerns of organized labor, which has threatened a nationwide strike on October 10th over illegal mining. Mr. Armah appealed to the government to provide a clear and credible solution to address the ‘galamsey’ issue and avert the damaging impact of a general strike on Ghana’s fragile economy.
5. Bipartisan Approach: The Association called for a bipartisan approach to dealing with the illegal mining crisis, urging politicians to refrain from using the issue for personal gain and to focus on finding long-term, sustainable solutions.
Mr. Armah also touched on the economic importance of the small-scale mining sector, which contributes 40% of Ghana’s merchandised exports and provides employment to about one million people directly, with an estimated four million others depending on the sector indirectly.
He stressed that the small-scale mining industry plays a crucial role in supplying raw gold for local value addition and supporting downstream job opportunities.
He pointed out that while illegal mining poses a significant environmental threat, unemployment, food and water shortages are equally serious security risks. Therefore, Mr. Armah called for a balanced approach that addresses both the environmental concerns and the economic livelihood of those who depend on small-scale mining.
GNASSM appealed to organized labour to reconsider its planned strike and work alongside the government to find a lasting solution to the galamsey problem.
He expressed optimism that the unified pressure from Ghanaians has created a critical opportunity to eradicate illegal mining once and for all.