The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has issued a caution to Parliament, urging it to protect the recent progress made in the domestic gold market and not allow it to be undermined by external influences or short-term political interests.

The call follows a recent press conference by the Minority in Parliament, which questioned aspects of the national gold trading programme.

In a press statement released today, Thursday, January 1, 2025, GNASSM expressed deep concern over the political debate, stating that it is creating adverse effects and derailing miners from their core work of contributing to the national economy.

“GNASSM urges all political actors to safeguard the hard-won gains made in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) gold trade rather than undermine them for short-term political interests,” the statement said.

According to the miners, the system has been successful in its implementation.

It cited changes including the exclusion of foreign traders from direct dealings, support for ASM miners, competitive market pricing and real-time pricing, all of which the association argues serve the interests of ASM miners.

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General Secretary Godwin N. Amarh, who signed the statement, highlighted the broader benefits of the current system.

He noted that the Goldbod’s structure has enhanced national capacity to purchase gold locally, which in turn helps reduce smuggling and associated illegal activities such as money laundering.

“Today, the ASM gold market and the small-scale mining space are largely controlled by Ghanaians, facilitating the build-up of domestic capital.

“In the medium term, this will support the growth and expansion of small-scale mines into larger operations, thereby strengthening the national economy and improving the social conditions of Ghanaians,” the statement read.

The association urged lawmakers to focus on supporting Goldbod and related institutions to strengthen Ghana's foreign exchange reserves and economic space, rather than engaging in debates that destabilise the market.

“GNASSM therefore respectfully cautions politicians on all sides: allow miners and legitimate gold traders to conduct their business within the current orderly and transparent framework.

“We therefore don’t expect a debate at this stage but support to build the gold and related sector. We also expect a united front that focuses on support for the Goldbod and other institutions to address our foreign exchange and reserves needs to give us the space to develop Ghana,” it added.

The body thus called on politicians to allow miners and legitimate traders to operate within the existing orderly framework for the benefit of the nation.

Read the full statement below:







ID/BAI

Meanwhile, watch as Acting Defence Minister Ato Forson inaugurates 9-Member Ministerial Advisory Board