Anti Galamsay Fight; “State of emergency is a misplaced priority, its callers don’t understand the mining architecture”- GNASSM Secretary:

The Ashanti Chapter Secretary of the Small Scale Miners Association (GNASSM), Mr. Michael Adu Gyamfi has dismissed calls for a state of emergency to combat illegal small-scale mining (galamsey), describing it as a misplaced priority. Mr Adu Gyamfi also admonished the need to re design the approach towards the fight against galamsey by promoting responsible and sustainable small-scale miners to weed out the illegalities.

“Numerous calls for the state of emergency is a misplaced agenda. Again, those making these calls do not really have a total appreciation of the small-scale mining architecture,” he stated. He explained that the current regulatory framework of the small-scale sector already designates forest reserves and water bodies as ‘red zones’ where licensed small-scale mining is prohibited. Therefore, the state of emergency being echoed by a section of Ghanaians is already in place, and left alone is the provision of maximum protection by the state. So if those responsible for the protection fail on the job, that’s where the challenge is,” he added.

Mr Adu Gyamfi also cautioned that a state of emergency could disproportionately affect innocent individuals engaging in other legitimate activities and, if we’re not circumspect, end up infringing on their rights. He further criticized the forceful approach to combating galamsey, arguing that it has proven ineffective. “One other observation is that the forceful approach has outlived its usefulness and only provides opportunities for worse situations.

Mr Adu Gyamfi suggested a shift to promoting responsible and sustainable small-scale mining on designated land outside the red zones. He suggested that the hostile cloud around the anti galamsey taskforce could be changed and made friendly. He touched on the composition of the task force to comprise mining engineers and experts as well as environmental professionals to guide and conscientise small-scale miners rather than relying on soldiers and police. The secretary applauded recent comments by former President John Mahama, stating it is a clear indicator of a growing understanding of the small-scale mining sector. “President Mahama’s recent comment about the fight and the state of emergency declaration is a clear indication that he is now understanding the mining architecture. However, we expect more from him.” He emphasized the importance of empowering miners to self-regulate and expose wrongdoers.

According to Mr Adu Gyamfi, “Small Scale mining, if managed well, is more beneficial than what the Goldbod anticipates.” He concluded by re echoing President Mahama’s position of placing the state of emergency decision after exploring other available practical means which he believes can be achieved with commitment and without undue politicisation.