Sammy Gyamfi Outlines Ghana’s Small-Scale Mining Formalisation Plan

According to a report by GHOne TV on October 31, 2026, Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has outlined Ghana’s proposed approach to formalising artisanal and small-scale mining, drawing lessons from four countries with established mining formalisation programmes.

In a statement issued on October 31, Mr Gyamfi identified Colombia, Mongolia, Peru and Tanzania as countries whose experiences could guide Ghana’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

The programme, championed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, seeks to organise eligible informal small-scale miners into registered cooperatives, provide them with training and help them obtain the necessary licences to operate legally.

Mr Gyamfi explained that the approaches adopted by the four countries demonstrated the importance of organising informal miners, improving their technical knowledge and strengthening environmental protection.

Under Ghana’s proposed arrangement, registered cooperatives will receive training in sustainable mining, mercury-free processing, land reclamation and environmentally responsible operations. The programme aims to complete the formalisation and licensing process within six months.

He further disclosed that the initiative had received Cabinet approval and was included in an amendment bill to the Minerals and Mining Act currently before Parliament.

As part of efforts to support implementation, GoldBod is collaborating with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Through its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme, the Board, in partnership with the University of Mines and Technology, plans to provide financial and technical assistance to licensed miners from 2027.

The support will cover geological investigations, equipment financing, concession assessments, land reclamation and mercury-free processing.

Mr Gyamfi also called for bipartisan support and contributions from relevant stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme.

He expressed confidence that formalising small-scale mining could create sustainable employment, improve environmental protection, strengthen mineral recovery and promote indigenous businesses while complementing enforcement efforts against illegal mining.

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