Top Govt Officials, Security Operatives Seize Small-Scale Miners’ Concessions, Hand Over to Illegal Chinese Miners – GNASM

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASM) has alleged that top government officials and security operatives have forcefully seized their legally acquired concessions and handed them over to illegal Chinese miners.

The association claims these illegal Chinese miners have been given protection by the same individuals who seized their mining sites.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the National Communications Director for the Association, Abdul Razak Alhasan, demanded the immediate release of their concessions and machines by these rogue security operatives.

He expressed disappointment that despite their efforts to help the government in the fight against illegal mining, they are being stabbed in the back.

According to Alhasan, even responsible and ethical mining practices are being harassed by top political figures in government.

 He emphasized that the association has always supported and collaborated with the government to enforce restrictions in RED ZONEs (Forest Reserves, water bodies, and buffer zones) and will continue to do so.

However, the association will not be silent while their members are criminalized for working hard to earn a living.

DEMANDS FROM GOVERNMENT

 GNASM demanded government addresses the issues suggesting some measures to be implemented

– Adequately resource the National Anti-illegal mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS) to handle illegal mining issues in a more coordinated approach.

– Provide stronger protection for licensed small-scale miners, including clear protocols for police operations on mining sites.

– Adopt an alternative approach that engages illegal miners and works with them to correct the mess they have created and formalize them where practicable.

– Build the capacity of security agencies to understand small-scale mining operations and licensing regimes.

– Include regulatory agencies like the Minerals Commission in taskforce operations to reduce the abuse of licensed small-scale miners.

– Demand the immediate release of all excavators and other machinery seized from licensed small-scale mining sites.

The association emphasized that the small-scale mining sector has huge socio-economic prospects if properly managed and can contribute significantly to the country’s economy

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng