TEAP Alleges Irresponsible Mining by GNASSM Secretary


The Extraction Accountability Project (TEAP), a youth-led environmental advocacy group, has launched a bold campaign to expose what it describes as alleged illegal and irresponsible mining practices by powerful players in Ghana’s extractive sector. In a strongly-worded press statement delivered by Generational Secretary Mr. Charles McCarthy and supported by President Mr. Kwadwo Yeboah, the group unveiled its "name-and-shame" campaign in the Eastern Region, which they say is ground zero for environmental degradation.

TEAP's first target is Mr. Godwin N. Armah, the General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) and founder of Transeco Minerals and Mining Ltd. The group alleges that Mr. Armah’s operations in Nsuapemso, Kyebi Adadeatem, and Osino are marked by irresponsible mining practices—characterized by open, unreclaimed pits and environmental devastation.

“Mr. Armah allegedly presents himself as a champion of responsible mining, but the evidence suggests otherwise,” said McCarthy. “His sites, far from being examples of best practice, allegedly reflect environmental abuse and a disregard for the very standards he claims to uphold.”

TEAP further expressed concern over Mr. Armah’s continued role on the board of GOLDBOD, a body tasked with promoting responsible gold sector practices. The group questioned how someone allegedly implicated in environmental harm could be entrusted with such a critical oversight role.

Even more troubling, TEAP alleges that certain individuals within National Security and other state institutions are protecting Mr. Armah and others like him, while those engaged in lawful mining practices face harassment and arrest.

In a direct appeal, the group called on Minister of Finance Dr. Ato Forson, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Buah, and GOLDBOD CEO Sammy Gyamfi to investigate the allegations and immediately remove Mr. Armah from the GOLDBOD board if found culpable.

“We are not here to convict anyone in the court of public opinion,” said McCarthy. “We are here to raise alarm over what we believe to be an existential threat to our environment. Those with the power must now act.”

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