Minority demands Sammy Gyamfi’s resignation over comments on small-scale mining licences

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the resignation or dismissal of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over comments it says suggest that small-scale miners could operate without the required licences and permits.

The Caucus has also demanded an unqualified apology from Mr Gyamfi, government sanctions over the remarks and a clear plan from President John Dramani Mahama to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

“⁠Mr. Sammy Gyamfi should resign immediately as CEO of GOLDBOD; failing that, he should be dismissed to restore the institution’s credibility,” part of the statement read.

It further called for “A clear roadmap from President Mahama and his government to end galamsey as promised to Ghanaian prior to the 2024 general elections.”

The demands were contained in a statement issued by the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, who criticised Mr Gyamfi’s reported position on small-scale mining outside restricted areas.

The statement questioned the legal basis for allowing mining activities without the necessary permits, asking whether similar exceptions could be made for schools, churches, mosques, markets, hospitals, Jubilee House, Parliament and the law courts.

The Minority Caucus also urged civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, other political parties, religious leaders, traditional authorities, media organisations and other stakeholders to condemn Mr Gyamfi’s comments and demand accountability from the government over its handling of illegal mining.

“The Minority Caucus calls on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), other political parties, the Clergy, Traditional Authorities, media houses, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Trade Unions, Youth Organisations, Market Women, Professional Bodies, Development Partners, the Diplomatic Community, Concerned Citizens and other well-meaning Ghanaians to condemn Mr Sammy Gyamfi’s reckless comments and the NDC government’s approach to solving galamsey issues contrary to what was promised, and to demand accountability for their stewardship to Ghanaians,” the statement said.

The Minority argued that the position attributed to Mr Gyamfi was inconsistent with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), citing Sections 9(1) and 82(1), which address licensing requirements for mining activities.

It also referenced Section 89 of the Act, which provides for the designation of areas for small-scale mining, insisting that any mining arrangement must comply with the law.

Beyond its call for Mr Gyamfi’s resignation or dismissal, the Caucus wants him to apologise publicly and the government to condemn the remarks and impose appropriate sanctions.

It has also called for a comprehensive audit of GoldBod’s records to determine whether gold purchases can be traced from the mine to the market and whether the transactions meet responsible-sourcing standards.

“A thorough audit of the Ghana Gold Board’s documentation to verify traceability of all gold purchases, from mine to market to establish responsible sourcing practices.”

The Caucus further urged President Mahama to present a clear strategy for ending illegal mining and declare a state of emergency in areas it identifies as high-risk galamsey hotspots.

It also wants the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to be formally established and regulated through a Legislative Instrument (L.I.).

“To declare a state of emergency in all the red flag galamsey hotspots and to formalise the establishment and operations of NAIMOS through an L.I. to give meaning and structure to it.”

The Minority said the measures were necessary to promote accountability and strengthen the country’s response to illegal mining.