The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has defended the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, against allegations that he endorsed illegal mining, insisting that his remarks have been taken out of context.
The Association said the comments, which have triggered media discussions following the circulation of a video excerpt, were made during a programme aimed at formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, rather than encouraging unlicensed mining activities.
In a press statement dated October 23, 2026, GNASSM explained that the remarks were delivered at a joint programme organised by the Association and GoldBod on March 23, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The event, attended by more than 1,500 mine owners, focused on the proposed District Gold Market concept and measures to bring eligible operators within the small-scale mining sector into a regulated framework.
GNASSM maintained that Gyamfi was referring to the government’s intention to register and regularise eligible unlicensed miners whose activities do not encroach on water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways and other restricted areas, commonly described as red zones.
According to the Association, the distinction between regularising eligible miners and endorsing illegal mining is crucial to understanding the GoldBod CEO’s comments.
It argued that circulating an isolated portion of the recording without the broader discussion could create a misleading impression about the position he sought to communicate.
The Association consequently urged media organisations and the public to review the full recording before drawing conclusions about the remarks.
### Formalisation as an anti-galamsey strategy
Beyond defending Gyamfi, GNASSM reiterated its support for efforts to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector, describing regulation, access to financing and responsible mining practices as important components of the fight against illegal mining.
The Association said it remained committed to working with GoldBod and other relevant stakeholders to implement the ASM Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP).
It expressed the view that bringing eligible operators into a lawful system, backed by appropriate financing and regulatory supervision, could help reduce environmental degradation while supporting sustainable economic growth.
The position places emphasis on distinguishing between miners who may qualify for formalisation and mining activities conducted in prohibited areas.
However, the statement did not provide specific eligibility criteria or operational details of the proposed regularisation process.
### GNASSM warns against politicising illegal mining
The Association also called for a non-partisan approach to tackling illegal mining, warning against allowing political considerations to undermine efforts to protect the country’s natural resources.
It said safeguarding Ghana’s water bodies, forests and land resources should be treated as a collective national responsibility rather than a subject for partisan contestation.
GNASSM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, responsible and environmentally sustainable small-scale mining, while urging the public to consider the GoldBod CEO’s remarks within the context of the programme at which they were delivered.
The clarification comes amid public discussion over the interpretation of Gyamfi’s comments, with GNASSM seeking to shift attention towards the broader policy objective of formalising eligible operators in the small-scale mining sector.
The statement was signed by Godwin Amarh, General Secretary of GNASSM.
