Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners Warns Against Political Interference in Gold Trading

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM), has urged both the Majority and Minority in Parliament to protect the gains made in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, warning against political interference.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 1, 2026 and signed by General Secretary Godwin N. Amarh, GNASSM emphasised that ASM gold trading should not be evaluated solely on annual profit and loss figures but considered for its broader economic, social and governance benefits.
According to the Association, the sector provides wider economic, social and governance benefits to the country.
GNASSM revealed that under the previous administration, about 63-point-6 metric tons of ASM gold were exported in 2024 through the Gold-for-Oil and Gold-for-Reserves programmes, during which the Bank of Ghana recorded losses. It added that under the current Mahama administration, over 101 metric tons of ASM gold had been exported by December 23, 2025, with the Bank again recording losses.
The Association explained that these figures show the need to assess ASM gold trading beyond short-term financial outcomes.
GNASSM also commended government for establishing the Ghana Gold Board, known as GoldBod, saying it has introduced a structured and credible system for gold acquisition. The Association noted that GoldBod has strengthened pricing transparency, reduced smuggling, excluded foreign buyers from direct trading, and supported miners with training in sustainable mining practices.
The miners’ group, however, cautioned politicians against actions that could disrupt the sector, stressing that continued political interference could negatively affect Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and overall economic stability.