GNASSM Condemns Harassment, Intimidation, and Extortion of Licensed Small-Scale Miners by Security Agencies and Political Actors

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has issued a powerful statement at a press conference held at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi, decrying the persistent harassment, intimidation, and alleged extortion of its members by some elements within law enforcement and politically connected individuals operating parallel taskforces.

Addressing the media at the press conference, Public Relations Officer and stakeholder in the mining industry, Mr. Abdul Razak Alhassan said GNASSM expressed grave concern over what the association described as a systemic abuse of power by certain police officers and politically exposed persons who are using state security institutions for personal gain.

According to the association, licensed small-scale miners across the Ashanti, Western North, Upper East, Eastern, Western, and Savannah Regions have become targets of what they term “state-backed extortion schemes,” where security officers allegedly storm legally acquired concessions, seize equipment, demand bribes, and in some cases, violently eject miners from their sites.

“There is a grave injustice happening in Ghana’s mining sector today,” GNASSM lamented. “Some of those who are supposed to protect us are the very ones terrorizing our members. Politically exposed persons are manipulating security forces and exploiting regulatory loopholes to enrich themselves at the expense of genuine small-scale miners.”

GNASSM cited disturbing reports of police checkpoints where miners carrying legitimately obtained gold are wrongfully accused of illegal possession. In many cases, the group alleged, the confiscated gold never returns to its rightful owners, and no proper records are kept — a clear breach of trust and due process.

The association made it clear that while it supports the fight against illegal mining, it will not remain silent when its law-abiding members are criminalized and punished unjustly. “We have always upheld responsible and ethical mining practices. We have never and will never condone galamsey,” a spokesperson for the association, Mr. Abdul Razak Alhassan, emphasized. “We have supported the government’s efforts to protect forest reserves, water bodies, and buffer zones. But what we won’t accept is being harassed while doing legitimate business.”

GNASSM used the occasion to call for urgent and practical reforms. Key among their demands are:

1. Adequate Resourcing of NAIMOS: The association called on government to properly equip and support the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS), which was launched by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. They believe that with proper funding and oversight, the Secretariat can handle illegal mining in a more coordinated and effective manner.
2. Stronger Protection for Licensed Miners: GNASSM urged the establishment of clear protocols for police and military operations on mining sites to prevent abuses and ensure that only illegal operations are targeted.
3. Adopt an Alternative, Engagement-Based Approach: The group suggested that in addition to enforcement, illegal miners should be constructively engaged, supported to correct their practices, and formalized where appropriate. “GNASSM is ready to lead this initiative. We have the resources and experience to turn this situation around,” the leadership announced.
4. Training Security Personnel: The association recommended training security officers on the structure and licensing framework of the small-scale mining sector to prevent misidentification and wrongful targeting of legitimate operators.
5. Include Minerals Commission in Taskforce Operations: GNASSM argued that involving regulatory bodies like the Minerals Commission in enforcement activities will provide transparency and help ensure that licensed miners are not unfairly harassed.
6. Immediate Release of Seized Equipment: The association called for the return of all excavators and other machinery seized from legally operating small-scale miners, arguing that the continued seizure of these assets is unlawful and unjust.

GNASSM concluded by emphasizing the vast economic potential of the small-scale mining sector. “If properly regulated, our sector can be a game-changer in Ghana’s economic development,” they stated. “From employment generation to gold exports, the benefits are immense.”

They highlighted recent successes under the government’s Reset Agenda, especially the formation of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), which they say has sanitized gold trading and contributed over $2.7 billion in forex earnings between January and April 2025 alone.

“This is proof that with the right leadership and strategy, we can succeed,” GNASSM stressed. “What we need now is a coordinated, corruption-free approach to the fight against illegal mining. We cannot win this war while turning a blind eye to the abuse of law-abiding citizens.”

The association pledged to continue working closely with the government and all stakeholders to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth is harnessed sustainably and fairly — not only for today but for generations to come.