GNASSM Aspiring Organizer urges government to force illegal miners to reclaim degraded lands.

GNASSM Aspiring Organizer urges government to force illegal miners to reclaim degraded lands.

Alexander Kwaku Oppong, an aspiring Ashanti Regional organiser of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), has urged the government to prioritise land reclamation when tackling illegal mining, rather than focusing solely on burning or seizing mining equipment.

He said people caught mining illegally should be required to reclaim the affected land before leaving the site, arguing that abandoned pits pose serious risks to communities.

“It is unfortunate that operators are often chased away without being made to reclaim the land. These abandoned sites can become dangerous death traps.” Mr Oppong said.

He added that the government sometimes spends significant sums to reclaim degraded lands, while other sites remain untouched.

Mr. Oppong pledged, if elected, to encourage responsible mining and promote reclamation among members. He also urged miners who are not part of GNASSM to join the association, saying membership could support the regulation of their activities.