Ashanti GNASSM Hopeful Calls for Tougher Action on Land Reclamation

An aspiring Ashanti Regional Organizer of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), Mr. Alexander Kwaku Oppong, has called on the government to adopt stricter measures that compel illegal miners to reclaim degraded lands before leaving mining sites.

According to him, the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, should go beyond the destruction and seizure of mining equipment and focus more on restoring lands devastated by unlawful mining activities.

Mr. Oppong argued that many illegal miners abandon dangerous pits after being driven away by security personnel, leaving communities exposed to serious environmental and safety hazards.

"Government must ensure that illegal miners who are arrested or removed from mining sites are made to reclaim the lands they have destroyed before they are allowed to leave," he stated.

He expressed concern that abandoned mining pits continue to pose threats to residents, especially children and farmers, often turning into death traps during the rainy season.

The GNASSM aspirant noted that while the state frequently spends substantial resources to rehabilitate degraded lands, many abandoned mining sites remain unreclaimed, placing an additional financial burden on the country.

He maintained that enforcing land reclamation as part of the punishment for illegal mining would not only reduce environmental destruction but also ease the cost of restoration on the government.

Mr. Oppong further pledged to champion responsible and sustainable mining practices if elected Ashanti Regional Organizer of GNASSM.

He said he would intensify awareness campaigns among members on environmental protection and the importance of reclaiming mined-out lands to safeguard future generations.

The aspiring regional organizer also appealed to small-scale miners who are not members of GNASSM to join the association, stressing that organized membership would help promote adherence to mining regulations and responsible mining practices.

He emphasized that collective efforts by government, mining stakeholders, and local communities are crucial in addressing the environmental challenges associated with illegal mining across the country.