In a spirited defence of his organization, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has pushed back against mounting allegations that the newly established agency is enabling illegal mining—commonly referred to as galamsey—in Ghana.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Gyamfi didn't mince words. “How can a five-month-old statutory corporation be responsible for a problem that’s plagued this country for decades?” he asked rhetorically, calling the accusations both “misinformed” and “unfair.”
Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that GoldBod, which was formally launched just five months ago, did not create the galamsey crisis. “Last year, there was no GoldBod,” he reminded listeners, “yet we saw mass protests and escalating destruction from illegal mining. This is not a new issue—it has simply reached alarming levels.”
What GoldBod Was Created to Do
Rather than contributing to the crisis, Gyamfi argues that GoldBod was specifically established to be part of the solution. Mandated by law to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible mining, the agency was never designed to take over enforcement duties. “Our role is clear under the law,” he stated. “We are to support—not replace—the statutory bodies charged with fighting illegal mining.”
According to Gyamfi, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, along with its affiliated agencies, retains the direct mandate to lead the crackdown on galamsey. “But since we operate in the mining space, Parliament tasked us with supporting their efforts,” he explained.
Results, Not Rhetoric
Gyamfi also took the opportunity to highlight what he sees as tangible results achieved under his watch. “In less than five months, GoldBod has done what no institution in Ghana has done in this space,” he said confidently.
Among the agency’s early contributions: a GH₵5 million cash injection and the donation of five Toyota Hilux vehicles to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat—a body set up to coordinate multi-agency efforts to fight galamsey.
“They had no vehicles. They had no money. Today, they do—thanks to GoldBod. And since then, we’ve seen a renewed energy in the fight across the country,” he asserted.
Support, Not Sabotage
For Mr. Gyamfi, the accusation that GoldBod is complicit in the very crisis it was created to help solve is not just illogical—it’s insulting. “We’re putting boots on the ground, resources into the system, and strategy behind enforcement. That’s not sabotage—that’s support,” he said.
As the country continues its complex and high-stakes battle against illegal mining, GoldBod’s CEO is calling for a more informed national conversation—one grounded in facts, not finger-pointing.
“If you want to hold people accountable, start with the facts,” he concluded. “And the fact is, GoldBod is five months old and already making an impact—not digging pits in the forest.”
