GNASSM has appealed to John Mahama (L) and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah over the crisis
Three million livelihoods are on the line as small-scale miners in Ghana’s Ashanti Region make a desperate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, warning that a shortage of mining concessions is pushing them to the brink.
“We’re losing everything!” declared Felix Yaw Andam, spokesperson for the group, capturing the sense of panic among Ashanti mining communities. Miners say the scarcity of accessible land, much of it tied up in leases held by multinational corporations and large domestic firms, is strangling their operations.
The situation extends far beyond simple economics. Andam emphasizes that the crisis directly threatens the survival of over three million young Ghanaians who rely on the small-scale mining sector for their families’ income. Further exacerbating the situation, the miners allege, is the ongoing harassment and intimidation they face from security personnel at the mining sites.
Despite these severe challenges, the miners are keen to demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices and reiterate their support for the government’s campaign against illegal “galamsey” mining.
They also emphasize their essential contribution to the local economy through the generation of significant tax revenue, which underpins crucial development projects and supports local government functions. Andam implored the government to act decisively, ensuring access to concessions so they can continue operating sustainably and contributing to Ghana’s economic growth.
Adu Gyamfi, Ashanti district secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, strongly backed the miners’ appeal. “I support the call on the government to do all it can to make available small-scale mining concession blocks for responsible mining, to create more employment opportunities for the youth within the mining enclaves,” he affirmed.
