{
  "id": 15599587,
  "title": "GNASSM calls for formalisation of operations to boost reclamation efforts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/gnassm-calls-for-formalisation-of-operations-to-boost-reclamation",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T11:29:38.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/gnassm-calls-for-formalisation-of-operations-to-boost-reclamation-efforts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) is advocating for the formalization of operations among its members, asserting that this step will enhance regulatory adherence and facilitate the proper restoration of lands impacted by mining. The group contends that the sector should be formalized instead of being broadly categorized as \"galamsey\" or illegal, as this would incentivize miners to adhere to the law and take ownership of land restoration. Michael Adu Gyamfi, Secretary of the Ashanti Regional Chapter of the Association, explains that the law mandates licensed small-scale miners to reclaim lands affected by their operations; however, he estimates that merely five percent of small-scale miners possess the requisite licenses. He attributes this predicament partly to the challenges in obtaining mining licenses, urging the relevant authorities to simplify the licensing process to encourage more miners to operate legally. \"Obtaining a license for small-scale mining is very challenging. Authorities should therefore formalize the sector as when someone has a license, they can operate legally. But if the person does not have one, they might destroy the land and leave without reclaiming it,\" he stated. He further encouraged authorities to ensure miners comply with the required regulations post-license acquisition, especially those pertaining to land restoration and reclamation. During an event to announce the upcoming elections for the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, Adu Gyamfi disclosed that members have resolved some long-standing issues that had impeded the election of new executives for the past seven years. He highlighted that the prolonged absence of elected leadership had weakened the association's effectiveness and its capacity to tackle issues confronting small-scale miners. Consequently, Adu Gyamfi has urged interested members to submit their nominations to vie for positions at both the regional and national levels.",
  "summary": "The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) is calling for the full formalisation of members’ operations, arguing this will improve regulatory compliance and ensure effective reclamation of lands degraded by mining activities. The association believes that formalising the sector, rather than broadly labelling their activities as galamsey or illegal, will encourage miners to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}