The Executives of the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), have held a meeting with the Deputy Minister in Charges of mines, Hon George Mireku Duker, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, to discuss issues regarding the current fight against illegal mining and the possible ways the association could play a pivotal role in curbing this illegal mining menace.
The Deputy Minister, interacting with the miners said, “ We have to understand each other to do the mining business sustainably” He also told them that the time has come for stakeholder in the mining industry particularly the small scale miners to help government solve many of the challenges in small-scale illegal mining sector. Stressing that, “ Help us to weed out recalcitrant small scale miners especially those working along river bodies and forest reserves”.
He also announced the inauguration of the ministry’s task force, which will be on Wednesday, 18th August, 2021. This force he said, is to monitor, patrol and clamp down on illegal miners along river bodies and forest reserves.
On his part, the Vice President of the association, Mr. Samson Kwaku Wiredu pledged the association’s determination and support for Government on the matter.
The General Secretary of the association also pleaded with the Ministry to establish clear guidelines between the Ministry, National Security and association to aid in their operations.