The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) says it will collaborate with government and provide all the assistance and direction needed to fight the illegal small scale mining menace.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary Godwin Armah, the Association concurs with the President on depoliticising the mining sector in order enable it contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Speaking at his last State of the Nation Address for his first term in office, President Akufo-Addo blamed the degrading effect of galamsey on the environment on "the use of modern technology".

“The problem we have is the use of modern technology that leads to the illegal mining methods posing serious dangers to our water bodies and the health of our environment.”

Although the Association welcomes the attempts by government to ban galamsey, it however, refuses to support any action against licensed Small Scale Miners.

“The Association which contends having learnt many lessons following the NPP government's ban on small scale mining in their first term will not support any ban on licensed small Scale Miners but has positioned itself well to collaborate with government and provide all the needed assistance and direction to fight illegal small scale mining menace popularly known as ‘galamsey’.”

The Association hopes to meet the President after the swearing-in of his second term for a possible dialogue to inform his next line of action.

According to the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, discussions with the government would seek to secure responsible and sustainable small scale mining and derive the maximum benefit in the areas of revenue, employment and development.