NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has engaged the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners as part of efforts to gather views on reforms aimed at addressing challenges confronting the mining sector.
The engagement, held on Thursday, August 27, brought together Dr Bawumia and members of the NPP’s Identifiable Groups Committee on the Extractive Sector.
According to Dr Bawumia, the discussions focused on the difficulties facing small-scale miners and practical measures to promote responsible mining, protect the environment, create jobs and strengthen local value addition.
“We discussed the challenges facing small-scale mining and practical reforms to promote responsible mining, protect the environment, create jobs and strengthen local value addition,” he said in a Facebook post.
Dr Bawumia stressed the need for practical and sustainable reforms that would make small-scale mining more productive while reducing its environmental impact.
The engagement forms part of the NPP’s broader consultations with stakeholders in the extractive sector, with the views gathered expected to help shape policies and reforms for the industry.
Full Briefing Note
Engagement Between GNASSM Executives and H.E. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
Date: Thursday, 27 August 2026
1. Background
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) is the umbrella body representing registered small-scale mining operators in Ghana. The Association was established in 2011, with support from the Minerals Commission, pursuant to Section 90(e) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
GNASSM was formed to strengthen the organisation, coordination, and regulation of operators within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) subsector. The Association operates across all thirteen mining districts demarcated by the Minerals Commission.
Over the years, GNASSM has worked closely with the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Its key contributions include:
Mobilising small-scale miners toward responsible and lawful mining practices.
Supporting capacity building in sustainable mining, mineral processing, and environmental management.
Promoting the prudent and efficient use of Ghana’s mineral resources.
Advocating for the formalisation, professionalisation, and sustainable growth of the ASM subsector.
2. Current Executive Leadership
Mr Philip Akufo
Mining professional with over 30 years of industry experience. Founder of Chrisfiel Company, which operates in mine-support services, exploration, and mining.
Vice President
Mr Samson K. Wiredu
Entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in mining, transportation, mine-support services, and hospitality. Founder and Chairman of TLG Group of Companies.
General Secretary
Mr Godwin N. Amarh
Founder of Transeco Minerals and Mining Ltd, with over 18 years of experience in mining, geological services, civil works, and engineering.
Coordinator, Women in ASM
Ms Adobea Gurrarie
Chief Executive Officer of Anointed Gold Ltd and an advocate for women in artisanal and small-scale mining, with over 20 years of experience in the sector.
Director of Communication
Mr Rasak Alhassan
Executive member responsible for communications.
Organiser
Alhaji Baba Ahmed
Executive member responsible for organisation and mobilisation.
Director of Finance
Mr Francis Opoku
Executive member responsible for financial matters.
Purpose of the Engagement
The engagement seeks to discuss how the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector can make a stronger contribution to Ghana’s economic development. It will also explore areas of partnership between government and GNASSM to address illegal mining, improve sector governance, expand formal employment, and strengthen environmental stewardship.
Priority Discussion Areas
Allocation of mineable land for ASM
Advocate for the expansion of land designated for artisanal and small-scale mining. Currently, ASM block-out areas constitute less than 20% of the total land available for mining activities.
Access to geological data and exploration support
Promote targeted exploration and the provision of geological data on new mineral discoveries that can be allocated to qualified ASM operators, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the subsector.
Decentralisation of the licensing regime
Propose the decentralisation of licensing services through the regional offices of the Minerals Commission Inspectorate Division to make the process more accessible, efficient, and transparent.
Access to equipment and affordable financing
Seek structured support for responsible ASM operators through equipment financing, leasing arrangements, and concessional or soft loans.
Growth of Ghanaian-owned mining enterprises
Advocate for deliberate policies that enable small-scale mining enterprises to develop into medium- and large-scale Ghanaian-owned mining companies.
Community-based enforcement against illegal mining
Introduce a community-led enforcement approach to combat illegal mining, with communities recognised and rewarded for measurable improvements in environmental protection and compliance.
GNASSM participation in ASM governance
Strengthen GNASSM’s involvement in the governance, regulation, and management of the ASM subsector at national, regional, and local levels.
Professionalisation and capacity building
Expand training for operators in responsible mining, environmental management, safety, mineral processing, and business management. The sector should also create pathways for mining graduates and technical professionals to contribute their expertise.
Incentives for formalisation and compliance
Establish recognition and incentive schemes for operators who formalise their businesses, comply with licensing requirements, adopt environmentally responsible practices, and demonstrate good corporate citizenship.
