NDC Has No Credible Galamsey Solution – Minority Fires At GoldBod CEO

According to a report by Asaase News on Sunday October 25, 2026, Ghana’s parliamentary Minority has criticised remarks attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) concerning mining without a licence, arguing that the comments demonstrate the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) lacks a credible solution to the persistent problem of illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

The Minority’s criticism comes amid ongoing national discussions about the government’s approach to combating illegal mining, which continues to raise concerns over environmental degradation, the destruction of forest reserves and the pollution of water bodies across the country.

In its reaction, the Minority maintained that the GoldBod CEO’s remarks had raised questions about the government’s commitment to tackling the menace and whether the NDC administration had developed a clear and effective strategy to address the problem.

The opposition lawmakers believe that statements made by officials responsible for key institutions involved in Ghana’s gold sector should reflect a firm commitment to enforcing the country’s mining laws and protecting the environment.

The controversy surrounding the “mine without license” comment has also brought renewed attention to the relationship between gold trading, small-scale mining and the enforcement of regulations governing the sector.

Illegal mining remains a major national concern, with successive governments facing pressure to stop the destruction of water bodies and forest reserves while ensuring that legitimate mining activities contribute to economic development.

The Minority’s position suggests that the government must go beyond public statements and demonstrate its commitment through practical measures capable of ending illegal mining and holding offenders accountable.

The Ghana Gold Board, which plays a significant role in the country’s gold trading framework, has also been drawn into wider conversations about the formalisation of small-scale mining and efforts to ensure that gold entering the official market is sourced and traded in accordance with the law.

However, the effectiveness of government interventions against galamsey continues to be a subject of political debate, with opposition figures questioning whether existing measures are sufficient to address the scale of the problem.

The Minority’s criticism adds to the pressure on the NDC government to explain its strategy for combating illegal mining and demonstrate how its policies will protect Ghana’s natural resources.

While the opposition has described the GoldBod CEO’s remarks as evidence of the government’s lack of a credible solution, the full context of the statement and the administration’s response would be necessary to provide a comprehensive account of the controversy.

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