Sammy Gyamfi identifies four countries as models for mining reforms

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, has identified Colombia, Mongolia, Peru, and Tanzania as successful global models for the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). Speaking on the future of Ghana's mining sector, Gyamfi underscored the importance of transitioning away from informal, unregulated activities toward a structured system that encourages legal compliance and environmental stewardship. He noted that these four nations have successfully integrated small-scale miners into their formal economies, providing a potential blueprint for Ghana’s own reform agenda.

The core of the proposed strategy involves organizing individual informal miners into recognized legal entities or cooperatives. Gyamfi argued that by forming these groups, the state can more effectively provide the necessary technical assistance, financial support, and regulatory oversight required for responsible mining. This model focuses on empowerment and education rather than solely relying on enforcement, aiming to address the root causes of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has caused significant environmental degradation across the country.

Gyamfi’s focus on international benchmarks like Peru and Tanzania suggests a shift toward more sophisticated regulatory frameworks that balance economic opportunity with environmental protection. In these model countries, formalisation has led to improved safety standards, better revenue collection for the state, and reduced mercury use in gold processing. The CEO's vision aligns with the broader objective of the Ghana Gold Board to ensure that the nation's mineral wealth is extracted in a manner that is both sustainable and beneficial to the local workforce.

As the Ghana Gold Board moves forward with these mining reforms, the emphasis will likely remain on creating an inclusive environment where miners can transition into the formal sector with ease. By adopting lessons from Colombia and Mongolia, the Board aims to build a resilient mining industry that protects Ghana’s natural resources while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners. This transition is viewed as a vital component of the current administration's strategy to sanitise the mining landscape and promote long-term economic growth.