GoldBod Unveils Strategies to Fight Against Illegal Mining

Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has declared a relentless war on illegal mining and announced the procurement of 10 high-tech speedboats for the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operational Secretariat (NAIMOS) to protect the country's degraded river bodies. Addressing the National House of Chiefs in Kumasi on Friday, Mr. Gyamfi stressed that "human lives are inherently more precious than any amount of mineral wealth." He also stated that illegal mining operations persist across various terrains, but mining in and around water bodies is the gravest offence against the country.

Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that GoldBod was heavily equipping NAIMOS to confront the devastating environmental degradation. He noted that the logistical boost builds on an earlier intervention last year when GoldBod supported NAIMOS with five pick-up vehicles and GH¢5 million to strengthen operational capacity. He issued a stern warning that the Task force will deal mercilessly with anyone engaging in illegal mining and added that recalcitrant individuals' intent on ruining the environment will face the full rigour of the law. He also disclosed that GoldBod was choking off market supply chains for illicit gold by holding licensed buyers legally accountable. Under the current framework, all licensed buyers are strictly mandated to purchase gold exclusively from participants in government cooperative mining schemes or authorised small-scale mining companies.

Mr. Gyamfi revealed that GoldBod was developing a comprehensive formalisation policy in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission and assured that the government stands ready to provide training and capacity building for operators willing to formalise their activities, apply for concessions, and secure legal licences. He announced that GoldBod had already initiated procurement for an advanced traceability programme, with the contract expected to be awarded within the next couple of months.