Ghana Gold Board denies supporting illegal mining to protect LBMA bid

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially refuted claims that it supports illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, stating that such an endorsement would compromise its pursuit of international accreditation. The board emphasized that any association with illicit mining activities would immediately disqualify it from securing certification from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), which is the global standard for precious metals. This certification is viewed as critical for the international credibility and marketability of Ghana's gold exports.

Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod’s Head of Communications, clarified that the organization remains strictly committed to responsible sourcing from legitimate and environmentally compliant operations. Addressing the controversy, Minkah stated that it would be a delusion to suggest that the leadership of the board would endorse illegal mining. He highlighted that LBMA certification is contingent upon a transparent and ethical supply chain, which the board is determined to uphold to ensure the country’s gold is accepted in global markets.

The clarification follows a period of public backlash against GoldBod’s CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, regarding his previous comments about formalizing unlicensed miners. Mr. Gyamfi has since clarified that his vision involves integrating eligible operators into a strictly regulated system rather than granting amnesty to illegal activities. The goal of such a transition, according to the board, is to bring informal miners under state oversight to ensure they adhere to rigorous environmental and safety protocols.

Securing LBMA certification remains a top priority for the board as it seeks to enhance the value of Ghanaian gold on the world stage. By maintaining a hardline stance against galamsey and focusing on the formalization of the regulated mining sectors, GoldBod aims to ensure that the nation’s gold exports meet the highest global benchmarks for ethical and environmental responsibility. This move is seen as essential for protecting the integrity of the domestic mining industry and securing long-term economic benefits.