GNASSM rejects claims Sammy Gyamfi endorsed galamsey

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has dismissed allegations that Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), supported illegal mining. The Association clarified that Mr. Gyamfi's statements were misconstrued due to being quoted out of context. The debate took place during a joint GNASSM and GoldBod event on March 23, 2026, at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The gathering, which drew over 1,500 participants, centered on the District Gold Market idea proposed by the GNASSM and strategies to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.

According to a GNASSM statement released on October 23, Mr. Gyamfi was conversing about the government's plan to register and regularize unlicensed miners whose activities do not harm water bodies, forest reserves, roads, highways, or other areas classified as "red zones." The association strongly denied the notion that Mr. Gyamfi supported unlicensed mining.

It warned that releasing a single video clip without its accompanying explanation had created a deceptive impression of the real meaning and intent behind his remarks.

"Discussions about incorporating eligible operators into a lawful and regulated system should not be mistaken for an endorsement of illegal mining," the association emphasized. GNASSM expressed its backing for GoldBod and its dedication to working with other stakeholders in implementing the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP).

The association was confident that formalization, backed by suitable financing, responsible mining practices, and regulatory oversight, could help tackle illegal mining, lessen environmental damage, and foster sustainable economic expansion. Consequently, GNASSM appealed to media organizations and the general public to examine the complete recording of Mr. Gyamfi's statements instead of drawing conclusions from a single excerpt.

The association also advocated for a non-partisan approach to addressing illegal mining, stressing that safeguarding the country's natural resources should be a collective national duty. "Defending Ghana’s water bodies, forests, and land resources is a shared national responsibility and ought not to be undermined by political considerations," the statement concluded. The GNASSM reiterated its commitment to advocating for lawful, responsible, and environmentally sustainable small-scale mining.