The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has resolved to lead the crusade to eradicate illegal mining activities in the country. Illegal mining often leads to fatal accidents at mining sites, causes massive environmental degradation and pollution of water bodies, among other negative effects. The Association, which consists of licensed small scale gold and diamond miners, believes illegal mining or galamsey can be minimized by motivating operators to legalize their activities. President of the Association, Evangelist Collins Osei Kwesi says the group is embarking on an extensive nationwide education programme to motivate illegal miners to formalize their operations. He noted that a formidable small scale miners association would enable players in the sector to lobby government and advocate better economic positioning. He also says one of the objectives of the Association is to support small scale miners to plan their retirement whilst adopting best mining practices.