Unlicensed miners are in the millions and are the biggest employer in the country – Sammy Gyamfi

In an Official Facebook Post on 30 October 2026, UTV Ghana shared remarks made by Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, during a televised discussion on politics and governance. Gyamfi highlighted the scale of unlicensed mining in Ghana, stating that “unlicensed miners are in the millions and are the biggest employer in the country.” He argued that imposing a blanket ban on their activities would not work, given the sheer number of people involved and the livelihoods at stake.

His comments shed light on one of Ghana’s most pressing socio‑economic challenges: the tension between regulating mining to protect the environment and recognizing its role as a source of employment. Illegal small‑scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, has long been criticized for its devastating impact on water bodies, forests, and farmlands. Yet, as Gyamfi pointed out, it also sustains millions of families who depend on it for survival. This dual reality makes policymaking in the sector particularly complex.

By describing unlicensed miners as the country’s “biggest employer,” Gyamfi underscored the scale of the issue. His statement suggests that any attempt to ban or eliminate unlicensed mining without providing alternative livelihoods would be impractical and potentially destabilizing. Instead, it calls for a more nuanced approach that balances environmental protection with economic realities.

Public reaction to such remarks is likely to be divided. Environmental activists may argue that the damage caused by unlicensed mining is too severe to tolerate, while others will echo Gyamfi’s view that livelihoods cannot simply be cut off without viable alternatives. Policymakers are therefore faced with the challenge of designing interventions that both safeguard natural resources and sustain employment.

Gyamfi’s comments also raise broader questions about governance and accountability. If unlicensed miners truly number in the millions, then the state must confront why regulation has failed to bring them into the formal economy. His remarks suggest that the solution lies not in bans but in reforms that integrate small‑scale miners into legal frameworks, provide training, and enforce standards that protect the environment while preserving jobs.

Ultimately, his statement reflects the complexity of Ghana’s mining sector. It is not simply a matter of outlawing illegal activity but of recognizing the socio‑economic realities that drive it. By acknowledging unlicensed miners as a major employer, Gyamfi has reframed the debate, urging leaders to consider policies that are both practical and humane.

Source: UTV Ghana, Official Facebook Post, 30 October, 2026.