The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq. has reiterated the institution’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining and ensuring sustainable practices in Ghana’s gold sector.
Speaking on TV3’s Key Points program, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that environmental protection is central to GoldBod’s mandate, and the agency is taking concrete steps to enforce it.
“When we took over, there was no real fight against illegal mining. We did not maintain the status quo,” Gyamfi said, highlighting the proactive measures already implemented.
He noted that Legislative Instrument 2462, which previously permitted certain mining activities in protected areas, have been revoked.
“Mining is no longer permissible in forest reserves, and NAIMOS is actively cracking down on illegal miners everywhere. You have seen the videos,” he added.
Mr. Gyamfi stressed that GoldBod has institutionalized environmental protection by making it illegal to purchase gold sourced from unauthorized mining activities.
He explained that under Section 59 of the GoldBod Act, any purchase of gold from illegal mining operations constitutes an offense.
The CEO also addressed criticisms about the pace of implementing traceability measures. While Ghana has a long history of gold procurement dating back to colonial times, Mr. Gyamfi said the introduction of a national traceability program is a landmark initiative.
“We have given timelines for the traceability program to be fully operational. Every gram of gold bought by the state will be traceable to its mine of origin, and it must come from a sustainable mine,” he explained.
He noted the challenges posed by decades of unregulated gold trading and smuggling, which have historically undermined both the environment and the national economy.
“We are an institution barely eight months old, yet we are introducing reforms that ensure the gold trade is traceable, regulated, and environmentally responsible. It is unfair to expect such a system to have existed overnight when previous administrations did not implement it,” Mr. Gyamfi added.
Highlighting the broader environmental implications of illegal mining, he pointed out the damage caused to forests, water bodies, and agricultural lands.
The CEO emphasized that curbing illegal mining is not only about law enforcement but also about protecting communities and preserving natural resources for future generations.
“This is a government that set up an institution like GoldBod specifically to promote traceability and sustainable practices in gold procurement,” he said.
“Our approach balances economic benefits with environmental responsibility, ensuring that Ghana’s gold sector contributes to development without compromising our natural heritage,” Mr. Gyamfi reiterated.
