Perdita AGYARKO
The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has taken note with concern of a viral video extract and the subsequent media discussion criticizing the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, for allegedly backing illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
GNASSM wishes to clarify that the official comments were made during a program jointly organized by GNASSM and GoldBod on March 23, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
GNASSM flatly denies the interpretation that Mr. Gyamfi supported unlicensed mining. The association clarifies that his comments reflected the government’s intention to register and regularize unlicensed miners whose operations do not affect water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways, or other restricted areas.
GNASSM states that the circulation of this selected excerpt without the full explanation has created a misleading perception of the issue’s substance. The association highlights its support for GoldBod and remains committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders on implementing the Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) formalization and financing support program.
“We therefore urge media organizations and members of the public to review the full recording and assess the CEO’s official comments as a whole, rather than draw conclusions from an isolated excerpt, ” it stated.
The association remains committed to lawful, responsible, and environmentally sustainable small-scale mining.
