CEO’s Words Were Twisted: GoldBod Rejects Claims Of Endorsing Galamsey

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has strongly refuted allegations that its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., endorsed illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey. In an official statement released on Friday, October 24, 2026, the Board dismissed a viral video circulating on social media as a selectively edited and misleading excerpt designed to misinform the public.

GoldBod clarified that the clip was taken from an event co-hosted with the Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) on March 23, 2026, at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). The event focused on strategies to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining across the country.

The Board emphasized that Mr. Gyamfi never condoned galamsey, stressing that illegal mining remains strictly prohibited by law. Instead, the CEO advocated for a sustainable strategy to transition unauthorized operators into a legally compliant and environmentally responsible framework.

Furthermore, GoldBod made it clear that formalization is not a blanket amnesty for lawbreakers. Rather, it represents a structured pathway that subjects eligible operators to licensing requirements, strict environmental safeguards, technical training, and state oversight. Crucially, operations near water bodies, forest reserves, roadsides, or residential areas—designated as “red zones”—remain completely barred from formalization.

To support legitimate operators, GoldBod announced ongoing consultations for its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Program. Developed alongside the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), the program provides licensing assistance, technical education, and financial access.

Operating under Act 1140, GoldBod aims to equip eligible miners with the tools needed to establish responsible, eco-friendly businesses while continuing to crack down on illegal operations across protected zones.

JohnsonBriggs [email protected]