Galamsey: Sammy Gyamfi’s comments unfortunate, irresponsible – Kofi Ofosu Nkansah

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has dismissed claims that CEO Sammy Gyamfi has backed illegal mining practices, arguing that a recent social media video was edited to misrepresent his stance. In a statement released on Saturday, October 24, the Board clarified that the video, which appeared to show Gyamfi endorsing galamsey, was taken from a 2026 engagement with artisanal and small-scale miners, where he discussed plans to bring eligible informal miners into a regulated and environmentally responsible system.

GoldBod emphasized that the government's policy is to end illegal mining by transitioning eligible operators into a formal system, thereby licensing, regulating, and holding them accountable. The organization stressed that aiding these miners in formalizing their operations does not equate to supporting illegal mining. GoldBod also highlighted Gyamfi's call at the 2026 Mining in Motion Summit for a mining regulatory framework that combines strict enforcement with formalization, capacity-building, and economic opportunities.

This led to the initiation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP), set to launch in 2027, which will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible miners, aiming to increase mineral production, revenue, job creation, and environmental protection. The Board further explained that they are collaborating with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority to conduct geological investigations in Funsi, Upper West Region, and Benesere, Ashanti Region, to identify mineralized zones and promote responsible mining practices.

In terms of environmental protection, GoldBod is supporting the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat and investing in responsible gold sourcing, traceability, land reclamation, and water remediation. They have financed the restoration of 50 hectares of degraded land in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve and are working on rehabilitating water treatment plants impacted by illegal mining, as well as procuring a system to enhance transparency in gold sourcing.

GoldBod reiterated that their actions and policies are contrary to those of an institution that endorses illegal mining, while reiterating their commitment to combating illegal mining while fostering opportunities for eligible operators to transition into a regulated sector supporting Ghana's economic growth and environmental sustainability.