GNASSM accuses politicians, police of harassment

– demands coordinated response to illegal mining

By Kizito CUDJOE

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has accused politically exposed persons (PEPs) and elements within law enforcement of harassing its members and undermining legitimate mining operations under the guise of fighting illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

At a press conference in Kumasi, the association alleged that certain powerful individuals are using their political influence and connections to deploy private taskforces, confiscate equipment and forcefully take over concessions that licenced miners have lawfully acquired.

“This issue is not just about mining, it’s a human rights and corruption concern,” GNASSM stated, adding that the abuse is widespread across mining regions including Ashanti, Western, Western North, Eastern, Upper East and Savannah.

According to the group, some police officers and other security personnel – often acting on behalf of political actors – storm mining sites without due process to seize equipment or demand illegal payments. In some instances, licenced miners are ejected from their concessions with no legal justification.

GNASSM also claimed that gold-carrying miners are frequently targetted at police checkpoints and falsely accused of illegal possession, despite having the necessary documentation.

“Politically exposed persons manipulate security agencies and exploit regulatory loopholes to back illegal miners or take over concessions, not in the interest of law or the environment but for personal profit,” the group said.

National Communications Director Abdul-Razak Alhassan, who spoke on behalf of the GNASSM leadership, therefore called for a more structured and transparent approach in tackling illegal mining – with an emphasis on collaboration rather than coercion.

For example, it wants the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) to be adequately resourced and equipped to lead a well-coordinated national effort.

“Licenced small-scale miners must be protected from intimidation. We are committed to ethical and responsible mining and demand that state institutions work with us, not against us,” he said.

He also recommended the introduction of clear protocols guiding police and military operations on mining sites and proposed that regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission be embedded within anti-galamsey taskforces to ensure fairness and legal compliance.

GNASSM further advocated for what it called an “alternative approach”, whereby illegal miners would be constructively engaged and, where feasible, supported to transition into formal mining operations. “Force cannot always be the solution. We should be willing to work with those willing to reform,” the group stated.

The association expressed readiness to lead such engagements if given the mandate, adding: “We have the tools and capacity to ensure this approach works”.

Meanwhile, they also demanded the immediate release of all excavators and other equipment seized from licenced miners – arguing that many of the actions taken by security personnel have no legal basis.

“These actions are undermining investor confidence in the sector and threatening thousands of Ghanaians’ livelihoods,” the group added.

GNASSM defended the small-scale mining sector, saying it plays a key role in the local economy through employment, gold production and foreign exchange generation.

It cited recent data showing that the sector contributed over US$2.7billion in foreign exchange earnings between January and April 2025, partly due to reforms introduced under government’s ‘Resetting Agenda’, including establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD).

“This is evidence that responsible small-scale mining can deliver real value. But the continued abuse and intimidation of licenced miners threatens this progress,” the association said.

The group concluded by urging government and security agencies to end the abuse and work with stakeholders to develop a fair, inclusive and sustainable mining sector.