GNASSM clarifies GoldBod CEO's remarks; rejects claims of galamsey endorsement

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has dismissed claims that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, endorsed illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, insisting that his remarks have been taken out of context.

In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by it General Secretary, Godwin Amarh, the Association said it had taken note of a video excerpt circulating on social media and subsequent media discussions suggesting that Sammy Gyamfi supported illegal mining activities.

According to GNASSM, such interpretations do not accurately reflect the substance of the GoldBod CEO's comments.

GNASSM explained that the remarks were made during a programme jointly organised by the Association and GoldBod at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on 23 March 2026.

The event, attended by more than 1,500 mine owners, focused on the District Gold Market concept proposed by the Association and measures aimed at formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

GNASSM stated that, when considered in full context, Sammy Gyamfi's comments related to government's intention to register and regularise eligible unlicensed miners whose activities do not take place in environmentally sensitive or prohibited areas.

These include water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways and other restricted zones that have been designated as "red zones" by successive governments.

"Discussions about bringing eligible operators into a lawful and regulated framework should not be confused with an endorsement of illegal mining," the Association said, expressing concern that the circulation of isolated excerpts without accompanying explanations had created a misleading impression among sections of the public.

GNASSM reaffirmed its support for GoldBod and its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders on the implementation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme.

The Association believes that improved formalisation, backed by access to financing, responsible mining practices and stronger regulatory oversight, can help curb illegal mining while promoting sustainable economic growth.

The miners' group further urged media organisations and the public to review the full recording of the GoldBod CEO's remarks before drawing conclusions.

Beyond this, GNASSM called for a non-partisan national approach to tackling illegal mining, stressing that the protection of Ghana's water bodies, forests and land resources should be treated as a shared responsibility rather than a political issue.

"The Association remains committed to lawful, responsible and environmentally sustainable small-scale mining," the statement concluded.