GoldBod Breaks Silence on Viral Video Alleging Sammy Gyamfi Endorsed Illegal Mining

According to a report by GTV Ghana on Saturday, October 24, 2026, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has rejected claims that its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, endorsed or supported illegal mining in Ghana.

GoldBod described the claims as false and misleading, accusing those circulating the video of selectively editing his remarks to create a wrong impression about his position on illegal mining.

In a statement issued for immediate release, the Gold Board explained that the video was taken from an engagement with artisanal and small-scale miners in March 2026. According to the institution, the circulated version removed important parts of the discussion in which Sammy Gyamfi explained the government’s policy on formalising eligible informal mining operators.

GoldBod stressed that the government’s objective is not to legitimise illegal mining but to help eligible operators move into a lawful and regulated system. Under this approach, miners would be licensed, monitored and held accountable for their activities and their environmental impact.

The institution also announced that it is pursuing an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalization and Financing Support Programme in collaboration with relevant government agencies and other partners. The programme is expected to provide financial and technical support to eligible miners, improve production, create jobs and reduce environmental damage.

GoldBod further disclosed that it has begun consultations with industry stakeholders, including miners’ associations, civil society organisations and relevant government agencies, ahead of the programme’s planned rollout in 2027.

The statement also highlighted ongoing efforts to promote responsible mining, including land reclamation, water remediation and improved traceability in the gold supply chain.

GoldBod maintained that it does not support illegal mining or activities that destroy water bodies and forest reserves. It said its position is to end illegal mining by helping eligible operators comply with the law while ensuring that irresponsible and environmentally destructive practices are stopped.

The institution urged the public to consider the full context of Sammy Gyamfi’s remarks rather than rely on selectively edited videos that could misrepresent his position on mining regulation.

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