CAGG calls on AG to probe Sammy Gyamfi’s alleged illegal mining remarks

The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (CAGG) has petitioned the Office of the Attorney-General to investigate Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), over alleged remarks suggesting that artisanal miners could operate without licences if they stayed away from forest reserves and water bodies.

In a press release dated October 24, 2026, the coalition criticised the reported comments, describing them as reckless and unlawful, and warning that they could undermine the fight against illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.

CAGG maintains that Ghana’s mining laws do not permit operators to mine without a licence based on the location of their activities.

The coalition cited Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019, which it says criminalises mining without a licence granted by the Minister responsible for mines.

It also referred to provisions under Section 99 that, according to the coalition, extend liability to anyone who commands, instigates, employs or facilitates others to engage in illegal mining.

CAGG said offenders could face fines ranging from GH¢120,000 to GH¢180,000, imprisonment for between 15 and 25 years, or both.

The coalition is demanding that the GoldBod CEO withdraw the alleged remarks and issue an unqualified apology to the public.

It has also called on President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Commission to publicly clarify that mining without a licence remains illegal, irrespective of where the activity occurs.

CAGG further wants the Attorney-General’s Office to investigate the matter to determine whether the alleged comments could amount to abetment of illegal mining.

The coalition insists that the law must apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their positions.

Beyond the legal concerns, CAGG warned that the reported remarks could encourage encroachment on lands belonging to farmers and other landowners.

It has consequently urged the Ministry of National Security, the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of the Interior to strengthen measures to protect affected communities and establish rapid-response systems through which land encroachment can be reported.

The coalition is also calling for a comprehensive national framework to safeguard farmlands. Its proposals include legal protection for agricultural lands, mapping and registration of farms, assistance for vulnerable farmers to document their land rights, and compensation and restoration for those whose lands have been damaged.

CAGG argued that GoldBod was established to formalise and regulate artisanal mining activities rather than promote operations without the required licences.

It warned that any attempt to normalise unlicensed mining could weaken the regulatory system designed to distinguish legitimate small-scale mining from illegal operations.