GoldBod Fires Back at Critics, Defends Sammy Gyamfi Over Alleged Endorsement of Illegal Mining

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has come to the defense of its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, following claims that he endorsed illegal mining. The Board stated that his remarks were actually intended to promote the formalisation of small-scale mining, not to support illegal activities.

According to GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi’s comments have been misunderstood or misrepresented by critics. The Board explained that the CEO’s focus has been on encouraging small-scale miners to operate within the formal sector, thereby ensuring that their activities are regulated and contribute properly to the economy. This, the Board argued, is a legitimate policy objective aimed at improving oversight and maximizing the benefits of the mining sector for the nation.

The clarification comes amid public debate over illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, which has caused significant environmental damage and drawn widespread concern in Ghana. Any suggestion that a public official endorsed such activities would be highly controversial, which is why GoldBod moved quickly to set the record straight.

The Board emphasized that Sammy Gyamfi remains committed to the government’s efforts to sanitize the mining sector and to bring small-scale miners into the formal economy. By formalizing their operations, miners can access support, adhere to environmental standards, and contribute to national revenue in a transparent manner.

GoldBod’s defense of its CEO is intended to reassure the public and stakeholders that the Board’s leadership is aligned with the fight against illegal mining. The Board urged the public to focus on the substance of the CEO’s message rather than interpreting his remarks out of context.

The controversy highlights the sensitivity surrounding mining policy in Ghana, where illegal mining has become a major national issue. As the debate continues, GoldBod’s statement serves as an official position on the matter, making clear that its CEO’s intention was to promote formalisation, not to endorse illegality.

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