The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has held a strategic engagement with the leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana to discuss pressing issues affecting the gold production value chain and explore practical solutions to strengthen the sector.
The meeting formed part of GoldBod’s broader efforts to deepen collaboration with key stakeholders in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector while promoting responsible mining practices and improving national value retention from gold production.
Addressing the leadership of the two associations, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq. raised concerns over purity losses within the gold value chain, describing the issue as one of the major challenges affecting the Board’s operations and finances.
According to him, discrepancies in gold purity and related losses have significant financial implications for GoldBod and the country at large, making it necessary for all stakeholders particularly small-scale miners to work closely with the Board to address the challenge.
He stressed that stronger cooperation between GoldBod and the small-scale mining sector is essential to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability across the gold trade.
Mr. Gyamfi also reaffirmed GoldBod’s commitment to supporting small-scale miners in line with its statutory mandate, which provides for up to 30 percent of the Board’s surplus to be allocated toward the development and support of the sector.
He therefore invited the leadership of the associations to submit a comprehensive working plan that would guide the structured implementation of interventions aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and compliance within the small-scale mining industry.
Beyond financial support, the CEO indicated that GoldBod is also exploring practical interventions including equipment support and technical assistance to help miners improve operations and transition toward more responsible mining practices.
He further disclosed that advanced plans are underway to support efforts against illegal mining, particularly activities on water bodies.
As part of this initiative, GoldBod is in the process of procuring patrol boats to assist in removing illegal operators from rivers and other affected areas.
The engagement reflects GoldBod’s continued commitment to formalizing and strengthening the small-scale mining sector, with a clear focus on maximizing gold output, reducing operational losses, and ensuring that Ghana derives greater value from its mineral resources.
