Amid the government’s continued clampdown on illegal mining, tensions are rising within Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, as miners express mounting dissatisfaction over what they see as unfair treatment.
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana, has sounded the alarm over what it views as a pattern of harassment and destruction directed at its members in various mining areas across the country.
Speaking at a press conference, the Association’s national president, Kwadwo Peprah, said recent activities by government forces have unjust confiscation owned equipment owned by small-scale miners.
According to him, the surge in these incidents has been noticeable since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed office in early 2025.
“The government’s anti-galamsey task force has been engaged in unlawful activities, including the unwarranted seizure and destruction of excavators belonging to our members, many of whom operate within the legal framework.”
Kwadwo Peprah
Peprah further alleged that some of these actions included equipment being forcibly taken from private homes, where they were not even in active use, raising doubts about the legality and motive behind such interventions.
The association stressed that the small-scale mining sector is far from being a fringe operation. In 2024 alone, it contributed over 150 tonnes of gold to Ghana’s total output, and that number is expected to grow in 2025.
Peprah highlighted the crucial role the small-scale mining sector plays in driving the national economy, noting its contribution to job creation and the stimulation of local economies in rural parts of Ghana.
He stressed that the industry is essential to Ghana’s economic progress and that its participants should be accorded fair treatment, dignity, and full legal safeguards.
However, the current approach by the ruling party appears to mirror what Peprah described as the “failed anti-galamsey strategies of the previous NPP government.”
The association warned that the continued harassment and destruction of equipment belonging to lawful operators are counterproductive and risk pushing legitimate businesses into economic ruin.
They argued that such heavy-handed actions do not differentiate between illegal operators and those who follow established regulations.
Push for Legal and Tech Fixes to End Illegal Mining
Rather than employing brute force, Kwadwo Peprah urged the NDC government to deliver on its 2024 campaign promises to support small-scale miners through technology and training.
According to the Association, one of the key pledges made by the NDC prior to taking office was to assist small-scale miners in upgrading their operations with modern tools and knowledge to ensure both efficiency and environmental responsibility.
“Such reforms should aim at empowering small-scale miners to operate responsibly, adhere to regulations, and contribute to environmental sustainability.”
Kwadwo Peprah
He emphasized that the association is not advocating for leniency toward illegal mining, but rather for a framework that supports legal, safe, and environmentally sound mining practices.
The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association is therefore calling for comprehensive reforms that would standardize operations across the sector.
This includes introducing certified training programs, offering access to environmentally friendly mining technologies, and establishing clear legal protections for those who follow the rules.
The Association also called on the government to work in collaboration with industry stakeholders to differentiate clearly between legal miners and illegal galamsey operators.
They warned that failure to address the issue promptly could alienate thousands of legal miners and undermine efforts to regulate the sector effectively.
They insisted that reforms should be guided by transparency and consultation, so that the small-scale mining sector can thrive without threatening environmental sustainability or community welfare.
As public pressure mounts, the ball is now in the government’s court to demonstrate its commitment to both supporting the small-scale mining sector and enforcing the law.
The Association remains hopeful that with the right reforms and cooperation, Ghana’s gold-rich small-scale mining sector can operate responsibly and contribute significantly to the country’s development.
