Once it’s not a water body; forest reserve or roadside, licenced or not, regularize it – Gyamfi

In an Official Facebook Post by TV3 Ghana on 23 October 2026, remarks by Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, were highlighted to clarify where mining is permitted under current government policy. His statement, captioned “Once it’s not a water body; it’s not a forest reserve or… place like a roadside, licenced or not, the government say let’s regularize it”, was both explanatory and controversial, dramatizing the government’s approach to balancing regulation with economic activity.  

Gyamfi’s tone was direct and pragmatic. He explained that the government’s position is to allow mining in areas that are not water bodies, forest reserves, or roadside locations, regardless of whether the miner initially holds a licence. His words dramatized the government’s intent to regularize such operations, bringing them into the legal framework rather than leaving them unregulated.  

This commentary reflects the theme of resource governance and regulatory integrity. Gyamfi’s clarification underscores the government’s attempt to formalize mining activities while protecting sensitive ecological zones. By emphasizing regularization, he dramatized the broader lesson that unlicensed miners can be absorbed into the system, provided they operate outside prohibited areas.  

At a deeper level, the post highlights the intersection of economic policy, environmental protection, and public trust. While the government’s approach seeks to maximize gold production and stabilize the economy, critics argue that allowing mining without prior licences risks undermining the rule of law. Gyamfi’s remarks dramatize this tension, raising questions about whether regularization is a pragmatic solution or a dangerous compromise.  

Observers note that this debate resonates with wider concerns about illegal mining (galamsey), environmental degradation, and economic desperation in Ghana. Citizens expect clarity and consistency in government communication, particularly on issues that affect livelihoods and natural resources. Gyamfi’s post channels this expectation, urging stakeholders to understand the government’s framework while sparking debate about its implications.  

In conclusion, Sammy Gyamfi’s clarification — “Once it’s not a water body; it’s not a forest reserve or… place like a roadside, licenced or not, the government say let’s regularize it” — is both a defense and a provocation. It dramatizes the clash between regulation and pragmatism, reminding Ghanaians that governance requires balancing economic needs with environmental stewardship. His words serve as a call for critical scrutiny of policies that seek to formalize mining while protecting national resources.  

Source: TV3 Ghana, Official Facebook Post, 23 October 2026  

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