Minority Caucus demands dismissal of Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi

The Minority Caucus in Parliament and the Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (CAGG) have called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi. The demand follows controversial remarks by Mr. Gyamfi suggesting that unlicensed small-scale miners should be assisted with the licensing process instead of being removed by military force. Critics argue these comments undermine the national fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and directly contravene the Minerals and Mining Act.

The controversy began after a video surfaced on social media showing Mr. Gyamfi arguing that artisanal miners operating without permits should be supported to formalise their operations, provided they avoid forest reserves and water bodies. The CAGG condemned these statements as unlawful, asserting that the Gold Board’s role is to regulate the industry rather than encourage unauthorized activities. The coalition has petitioned the Attorney-General’s Office to investigate the CEO and demanded a formal retraction and public apology, noting that legal penalties apply to illegal mining regardless of where the activity occurs.

In Parliament, the Minority Caucus has intensified pressure on President John Mahama’s administration to take action. Beyond calling for Mr. Gyamfi’s removal, the caucus is demanding an audit of GoldBod’s records and a clear roadmap from the Presidency to combat the galamsey crisis. The opposition has also proposed the declaration of a state of emergency in high-risk mining areas to enhance enforcement. They contend that permitting mining without prior authorization sets a dangerous precedent and violates established environmental protection laws.

Adding to the criticism, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, spokesperson for NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of hypocrisy. She noted that the party’s current stance on formalising unlicensed miners contradicts its previous criticisms of similar regulatory efforts. The Minority has included Mr. Gyamfi on a list of several high-ranking appointees, including Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, whose removals they are seeking due to concerns over their performance and national management.

As the public debate intensifies, stakeholders are looking to President Mahama for a definitive response to the growing calls for accountability. The CAGG has urged the government to reaffirm the strict application of licensing laws and implement measures to protect agricultural lands from encroachment. While the administration has yet to formally respond to the calls for Mr. Gyamfi's dismissal, the outcry reflects deep national concern over the balance between supporting local livelihoods and enforcing environmental regulations in the mining sector.