The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has rejected claims that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, endorsed illegal mining, saying his remarks have been taken out of context.
The Association said the comments were made during a programme it jointly organised with GoldBod on March 23, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The event, which was attended by more than 1,500 mine owners, focused on the District Gold Market concept proposed by GNASSM and measures to formalise the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) subsector.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, GNASSM said Mr Gyamfi was discussing the government’s intention to register and regularise eligible unlicensed miners whose operations do not affect water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways or other restricted areas designated as “red zones”.
“GNASSM categorically rejects the interpretation that Mr Gyamfi endorsed unlicensed mining,” the Association said.
It expressed concern that the circulation of an isolated video excerpt without the accompanying explanation had created a misleading impression of the substance and purpose of his remarks.
“Discussions about bringing eligible operators into a lawful and regulated framework should not be confused with an endorsement of illegal mining,” it added.
GNASSM said it supports GoldBod and remains committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders in implementing the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP).
The Association believes that formalisation, supported by appropriate financing, responsible mining practices and regulatory oversight, could help address illegal mining, reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable economic growth.
It has therefore urged media organisations and the public to review the full recording of Mr Gyamfi’s remarks rather than draw conclusions from an isolated excerpt.
GNASSM also called for a non-partisan approach to tackling illegal mining, insisting that the protection of the country’s natural resources should remain a shared national responsibility.
“Protecting Ghana’s water bodies, forests and land resources is a shared national responsibility and must not be undermined by political considerations,” the statement said.
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, responsible and environmentally sustainable small-scale mining.