The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has distanced itself from reports suggesting that it has endorsed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or any other party for the December elections.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Godwin Armah, the Association said its attention has been drawn to various publications suggesting that it has endorsed the NDC and consequently supported its campaign with over 1,000 pick-up vehicles.
“We wish to distance our self from these publications as the recognised mother-body of all Small Scale Miners across the country, and to deny unequivocally that we have endorsed a candidate or donated vehicles to any of the political parties.
“The Association wishes to reiterate our resolve and commitment to remaining neutral in the country’s political dispensation. GNASSM believes any attempt to align itself with any particular political party is a breach of the constitutional principle on which the Association was formed, and the Association will ensure that it does not move away from it,” Mr. Armah said.
The Association said it prides itself on its neutrality, and will therefore not endorse a candidate or political party. It added that it will continue to assess the policy documents of various political parties regarding the small-scale mining sector, and push for policies that will benefit its members.
It said while it respects the rights of its members to political affiliations, members are advised to exercise their rights without involving GNASSM as an entity.
“GNASSM has indicated it is paying much premium to the policy directions of all the political parties on small-scale mining. The Association maintains it will respect the people’s decision and work with whoever is elected at the December 7 polls to ensure continuous growth of the small-scale mining sector.
“The Association is advising members to remain resolute, and move away from all political interference as well as tendencies with potential to breed political violence. Members are assured that progressive efforts are being undertaken by leaders to streamline small-scale mining activities to their benefit,” the statement added.
He further advised media houses to be circumspect in their reportage by always verifying the authenticity of stories.
