The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has extended warm congratulations to His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, on his inauguration as the 6th President of the 4th Republic of Ghana. The ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, marked the beginning of President Mahama’s second term in office.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Godwin Armah, the association highlighted the trust and confidence Ghanaians have placed in President Mahama’s leadership and vision. The GNASSM expressed its readiness to collaborate with the new administration in advancing Ghana’s mining sector through responsible and sustainable practices.
The association emphasized the critical role of small-scale miners in the country’s mining industry while reiterating its commitment to combating illegal mining, also known as galamsey, which poses significant threats to Ghana’s environment.
GNASSM outlined several priority areas to address the challenges of illegal mining and environmental degradation:
1. Enforcement of Mining Laws**: Strengthening regulations on environmental protection and water pollution.
2. Education**: Community sensitization and capacity building for small-scale miners and civil society organizations.
3. Engineering Solutions**: Designing efficient mining equipment, site planning, and engaging mining engineers.
4. Empowerment**: Supporting communities, CSOs, the media, and other stakeholders to tackle illegal mining at the local level.
5. Attitudinal Change**: Promoting a shift in mindset to foster responsible mining practices.
The GNASSM underscored its longstanding collaboration with successive governments in addressing illegal mining and pledged to deepen its partnership with the Mahama administration to safeguard natural resources.
“On behalf of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, I assure you of our full support as you embark on your second term in office. We look forward to working closely with your administration to protect our natural resources and promote sustainable mining practices across the country,” the statement concluded.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the mining sector contributes to both the nation’s economic growth and the preservation of its environment for future generations.
President Mahama’s second term is expected to address critical national issues, including environmental sustainability, economic development, and the fight against illegal mining, with strong support from stakeholders like GNASSM.