Franklin Cudjoe Endorses GoldBod’s Vision For Formalizing Small-Scale Mining In Ghana

Ghanaian social commentator Franklin Cudjoe has thrown his weight behind proposals to formalize and support artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), citing remarks made by GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi. In a Facebook post shared on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Cudjoe underscored that a properly structured small-scale mining sector presents the clearest pathway toward youth empowerment, indigenous business ownership, and broader economic development.

Sharing Gyamfi’s vision, Cudjoe highlighted that mining regulations must move beyond rigid enforcement to embrace practical, inclusive, and commercially viable frameworks. Gyamfi asserted that effective regulation should empower young Africans by improving access to financing, technical training, and modern extraction technologies.

Properly organized ASM operations can boost national gold reserves, drive foreign exchange earnings, and ensure Ghana converts its legal resource ownership into tangible local wealth.

Furthermore, Gyamfi emphasized the critical role of modern engineering in addressing environmental concerns. Upgraded technologies and sound practices can improve gold recovery rates while simultaneously minimizing environmental degradation, reducing waste, and boosting operational safety for miners.

To realize these goals, GoldBod plans to roll out the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027. Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology, and Rand Refinery, the initiative aims to increase gold yields, lower operational overheads, and generate sustainable employment while safeguarding mining communities.

Ultimately, Cudjoe’s commentary underscores a growing consensus among policy analysts: transforming small-scale mining through formal structures and targeted financial support offers Ghana a realistic approach to balancing environmental sustainability with inclusive economic empowerment.

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