Formalisation Is Better Than Chasing Miners With Soldiers — Sammy Gyamfi

GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi has defended the government’s approach to formalising unlicensed artisanal and small-scale miners, arguing that bringing eligible operators into the regulated mining sector is a better alternative to pursuing them with soldiers.

In a post shared on his official Facebook page on October 23, 2026, Gyamfi identified mining in water bodies, forest reserves and dangerous locations within communities as three forms of mining that should neither be tolerated nor reformed. He cited activities along roadsides and on school lands, as well as in residential spaces, as examples that pose risks to public safety and health.

He explained that unlicensed artisanal and small-scale miners operating outside these prohibited areas could qualify for formalisation under the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP). The initiative seeks to transform eligible operators into licensed and responsible miners through legal documentation, permits, certification and training.

Gyamfi also argued that a short video circulating online had been selectively edited to omit important parts of his explanation about the government’s proposed support for unlicensed miners. He maintained that formalisation and traceability were essential to making small-scale mining more sustainable.

Referring to his keynote address at the recently concluded Mining in Motion Summit, Gyamfi said mining regulations should combine firm enforcement with practical opportunities for compliance, capacity-building and financing. He argued that responsible small-scale mining could support livelihoods, generate foreign exchange, strengthen national reserves and create jobs for young people.

He further announced that GoldBod plans to introduce an ASM Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology, and Rand Refinery.

Sammy Gyamfi concluded that the programme is intended to increase gold production and mineral revenue, create jobs, reduce operating costs, and minimise environmental risks through improved technology, training, and financing support.

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