Sammy Gyamfi faces calls for retraction over mining formalisation remarks

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has demanded a public retraction from the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, following comments regarding the formalisation of unlicensed small-scale miners. The coalition, which includes A Rocha Ghana, described Gyamfi’s remarks as "irresponsible" and "retrogressive," warning that such statements could encourage illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The groups argued that mining activities conducted without valid licences remain illegal regardless of their location and that the CEO's stance threatens the nation's environmental integrity.

In contrast, the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has come to the CEO’s defence, asserting that a viral video of his remarks was taken out of context. According to GNASSM, the comments were made during a joint program at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on March 23, 2026, where Gyamfi addressed over 1,500 mine owners. The association clarified that Gyamfi was outlining government plans to provide a path for eligible unlicensed miners to enter the formal regulatory framework rather than endorsing illegal operations.

GNASSM issued a press release on October 23, 2026, urging the media and the public to view the full recording of the event to avoid misinterpretations. The association emphasized the necessity of a collaborative, non-partisan approach to managing Ghana’s mineral resources, advocating for responsible mining methods and strict regulatory oversight. They maintained that the government's registration efforts are aimed at bringing miners under the law to better combat environmental destruction.

The dispute underscores the ongoing tension within the mining sector as the government attempts to transition informal operators into a regulated system. While miners see formalisation as a necessary economic step, environmental advocates remain concerned that any move to register unlicensed operators could be perceived as legitimising past illegalities and further endangering forest reserves and water bodies. The CSOs continue to call for clear policy directives that prioritise environmental protection and the rights of landowners over the expansion of small-scale mining operations.