GoldBod to support reclamation of three devastated forest reserves in 2027 – Sammy Gyamfi

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) intends to support the restoration of three forest reserves affected by illegal mining in 2027, according to the institution's Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi. Mr Gyamfi confirmed that GoldBod has already initiated reclamation efforts in several impacted regions, such as the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, and that Apaprama is slated to receive assistance as well.

He emphasized that, despite not being accountable for the damage to the reserves, GoldBod bears a responsibility to aid the nationwide endeavor to tackle the environmental implications of illegal mining. During a Space conversation on X on August 9, Mr Gyamfi stated, "We are reclaiming it. And next year, we are taking up three devastated forest reserves because the President is so passionate about it; it is dear to his heart, and says GoldBod, you need to help in this fight."

GoldBod's environmental initiatives are being pursued concurrently with endeavors to formalize small-scale mining, enhance traceability, and advocate responsible mining practices. Mr Gyamfi also revealed that GoldBod has supplied GH¢5 million and five pickup vehicles to the National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS) to bolster its enforcement operations.

He further disclosed that the Board has allocated funds for 10 speedboats to intensify the fight against illegal mining on water bodies, noting that the boats have already been ordered and are currently under construction. The GoldBod CEO urged Ghanaians to grant these interventions ample time to exhibit results, asserting that the country's illegal mining crisis has developed over several years and cannot be rectified overnight.

He added that a blend of formalization, enforcement, reclamation, and gold traceability will be essential to diminish the environmental harm caused by illegal mining while ensuring that Ghana maximizes the economic value derived from its gold resources.