Stop Unlawful Seizure of Our Equipment – NCSSMA to Government

The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association, has expressed concern over recent developments affecting its members across various mining communities in the country.

The Association’s president, Mr. Michael Kwabena Peprah, at a press conference  on June 24, 2025, called for urgent public attention to what they believe is a systematic targeting of its members following the assumption of office by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

According to the Association, it has credible reports that the government’s Anti-galamsey taskforce has engaged in unlawful activities, including the wanton seizure and destruction of excavators belonging to small-scale miners.

Mr. Peprah said in several instances, the excavators have been forcibly taken from miners, where they were not in use, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of these actions.

The Members disclosed that the gold mining sector, remains vital to the economy and that the small-scale mining in particular contributed over 1.5 tonnes of gold in 2024 alone, with a projected figure to hit 2.5 tonnes in 2025. Based on this, the association said it must be treated with fairness, respect and legal protection.

The Association lamented that the wanton seizure and destruction of lawfully acquired mining equipment are not sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the small-scale mining industry.

Mr Peprah stated that during the 2024 election campaign, the then-opposition NDC made a clear promise to support and equip small-scale miners with modern technology and skills to streamline their operations.

He reiterated the call by the association on the government to honour the promise by introducing standard technological reference and upgrading initiatives. “Such reforms should also aim at empowering small-scale miners to operate responsibly, adhere to regulations, and contribute to environmental sustainability”, he suggested.

The Association reiterated its demand for reasonable intuitive reforms that will enable lawful, safe and environmentally sound mining and advocated for a transparent and cohesive system that allows all legitimate actors in the sector to operate without fear or victimization.

The Association also urged the government to engage constructively with stakeholders in the small-scale mining industry and prioritize collaboration over confrontation since the long-term development of the vital sector depends on mutual trust, policy consistency and genuine support from leadership.

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