Trouble for Sammy Gyamfi as Mahama Forced To Sack Him

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi following public backlash over his remarks on small-scale mining and licensing requirements.

The demand was contained in a statement released on Friday, October 23, 2026, and signed by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee.

In the statement, the Minority criticised Mr Gyamfi’s comments, arguing that they risk weakening efforts to curb illegal mining, widely referred to as galamsey, which continues to pose environmental challenges in Ghana.

The controversy arose after a video circulated showing the GoldBod chief executive discussing mining activities outside water bodies, forest reserves and other restricted locations. His comments were interpreted by critics as suggesting that mining could proceed in certain areas without the required licences.

The Minority rejected that interpretation of the law, insisting that avoiding environmentally sensitive areas does not automatically exempt miners from obtaining the necessary permits and authorisation before commencing operations.

It warned that any suggestion to the contrary could create confusion about the legal requirements governing artisanal and small-scale mining and undermine the government’s campaign against illegal operations.

As part of its demands, the caucus wants Mr Gyamfi to issue a public apology and face appropriate sanctions. It has also called for a comprehensive examination of GoldBod’s records to strengthen accountability and ensure that gold transactions can be traced from their sources to the final market.

The Minority further urged the government to develop a comprehensive strategy to address galamsey. Among its proposals are considering a state of emergency in areas severely affected by illegal mining and establishing a clear legal framework for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

Mr Gyamfi has disputed claims that his remarks amounted to an endorsement of unlawful mining activities, arguing that his comments were taken out of context.

In his clarification on October 23, he said the government’s policy seeks to formalise eligible artisanal and small-scale miners through the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme.

He explained that the initiative is designed to move qualifying operators into a regulated system where they can secure the documentation, permits, certifications and training required to conduct mining activities lawfully.

Mr Gyamfi also maintained that mining in water bodies, forest reserves and other prohibited or dangerous locations, including school lands and roadsides, remains unacceptable.

The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners has backed his explanation, maintaining that efforts to formalise eligible miners should not be confused with permission to engage in illegal mining.

The association has called for his comments to be assessed in their proper context rather than interpreted as blanket approval for unlicensed operations.

The dispute has brought renewed attention to the government’s responsibility to regulate small-scale mining, enforce licensing requirements and prevent further destruction of forests and water resources.

While the Minority is pressing for the GoldBod chief executive’s removal, the President’s response to the demand remains unconfirmed in the reports available at the time of writing.

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