The Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana has issued a strong warning to its members, urging them not to contact the Association’s leadership for assistance if they are arrested by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) for engaging in illegal mining activities.
According to the General Secretary of the Association, Mr. Godwin Armah, Ghana’s mining regulations are explicit in prohibiting mining operations in water bodies, buffer zones, and forest reserves. He emphasized that even miners with valid licenses must comply strictly with environmental and operational standards.
> “Even if you have a valid license and you discharge your wastewater indiscriminately, leading to the shutdown of your site, the Association will not defend you,” Mr. Armah cautioned.
He reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable small-scale mining across the country. Mr. Armah further stated that the Association seeks to educate the public on the vital role of small-scale mining in Ghana’s economy while distinguishing between responsible miners and those whose illegal and destructive activities tarnish the industry’s image.
> “We want Ghanaians to appreciate the importance of small-scale mining and to understand the difference between responsible operators and the few irresponsible ones whose actions bring disrepute to the sector,” he added.
Mr. Armah also revealed that the Association is preparing to roll out a training program for selected members who will form a monitoring task force. Once established, the team will visit various small-scale mining sites—similar to the former monitoring activities conducted by the Minerals Commission—to ensure compliance with mining regulations.
> “When our monitoring team identifies operations that are not in line with the law, they will make recommendations to the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for appropriate action, including possible shutdowns of non-compliant sites,” he disclosed.
Mr. Armah concluded by stressing that the Association will continue to work closely with relevant state institutions to ensure that small-scale mining in Ghana remains lawful, environmentally responsible, and beneficial to the nation.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku