On Friday, October 23, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) issued a statement rejecting claims that its partner, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) chief executive Sammy Gyamfi, had endorsed illegal mining. The association said the remarks were made during a joint programme with GoldBod on March 23, 2026, at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, attended by more than 1,500 mine owners.
GNASSM clarified that Mr Gyamfi was discussing the government’s plan to register and regularise eligible unlicensed miners whose operations do not impact water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways or other restricted “red zone” areas. “GNASSM categorically rejects the interpretation that Mr Gyamfi endorsed unlicensed mining,” the statement read.
The association expressed concern that an isolated video excerpt, without context, had created a misleading impression of his remarks. “Discussions about bringing eligible operators into a lawful and regulated framework should not be confused with an endorsement of illegal mining,” it added.
GNASSM reaffirmed its support for GoldBod and its commitment to the Artisanal and Small‑Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP). It argued that formalisation, backed by financing, responsible practices and regulatory oversight, could curb illegal mining, reduce environmental damage and foster sustainable growth.
The association urged media outlets and the public to review the full recording of Mr Gyamfi’s comments before drawing conclusions and called for a non‑partisan approach to tackling illegal mining, stressing that protecting Ghana’s natural resources is a shared national responsibility.
GNASSM remains dedicated to promoting lawful, responsible and environmentally sustainable small‑scale mining across the country.
