Ghana Gold Board refutes claims that Sammy Gyamfi endorsed illegal mining

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially dismissed allegations that its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, endorsed illegal mining activities. In a statement addressing a viral video circulating on social media, the board clarified that the footage was misleadingly edited to misrepresent Gyamfi’s actual stance. According to GoldBod, the video originated from a March 2026 engagement with small-scale miners where the CEO was discussing the government's strategy to transition informal miners into a legal, regulated framework.

GoldBod emphasized that the current administration's policy is focused on ending illegality rather than legitimizing it. The board explained that the CEO's comments were part of a broader discussion regarding the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme. Scheduled for a full rollout in 2027, this initiative is designed to provide a structured pathway for unlicensed miners to achieve legal status while adhering to strict environmental and operational standards. The programme is being developed in collaboration with several institutions to address the financial and technical gaps that often drive miners toward illegal practices.

The proposed formalisation agenda has already gained support from the Centre for Mining Research and Policy, which described the proposal as a practical solution to the nation's mining challenges. The research body noted that by implementing a system of licensing, training, and continuous supervision, the government can improve accountability and significantly reduce the environmental degradation associated with unregulated mining. The Centre also highlighted the importance of the agenda’s gold traceability measures, which aim to prevent illegally mined gold from entering legitimate supply chains.

Moving forward, GoldBod reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining practices and environmental conservation. The board maintained that the transition to a formalised sector is the only sustainable way to protect the environment while supporting the livelihoods of those in the small-scale mining industry. The Centre for Mining Research added that the success of the 2027 programme will depend on the government maintaining transparent eligibility criteria and conducting credible inspections to ensure full regulatory compliance across the sector.