PNC General Secretary Defends GoldBod, Says Sammy Gyamfi’s Licence Remarks Aim to Formalise Galamsey

Awudu Ishaq, General Secretary of the People’s National Convention (PNC), has defended GoldBod and Sammy Gyamfi amid allegations that their approach to the gold sector could encourage galamsey in Ghana.

Ishaq explained that GoldBod’s purpose is to maximise the value Ghana obtains from its gold resources rather than support illegal mining. His defence follows criticism of the institution and its leadership over comments concerning mining activities and licensing requirements.

He noted that illegal mining had been a problem in Ghana for many years, arguing that the country must find effective ways to regulate existing activities and ensure that its mineral wealth generates greater benefits for the nation.

Responding to Sammy Gyamfi’s reported comments about mining without a licence, Ishaq interpreted the remarks as highlighting the need to formalise activities that are currently taking place outside the legal framework.

He maintained that bringing miners into a regulated system, where applicable licensing requirements are met, would improve supervision and accountability while helping the government benefit from the sector.

Ishaq’s position has drawn attention because critics have accused GoldBod officials of making statements that could be interpreted as condoning illegal mining.

The debate highlights the difficulty of promoting small-scale mining as an economic activity while addressing its environmental damage and social consequences.

For Ishaq, formalisation and effective regulation are essential to ensuring that Ghana receives greater value from its gold resources.

However, the success of this approach will depend on whether mining activities are brought into compliance with the law and whether environmental protections are properly enforced.

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