Ghana Gold Board Launches GH¢8.4m Water Rehabilitation Project and Strategic Jewelry Partnership with Shatta Wale and Medikal

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has unveiled a multi-faceted strategy to address the environmental impact of illegal mining while boosting the nation's gold value-addition agenda. Central to this initiative is a GH¢8.4 million agreement signed with Ghana Water Limited (GWL) to rehabilitate critical water supply systems in the Western and Central Regions. GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi emphasized that these efforts are rooted in the organization’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies and its mandates under the Ghana Gold Board Act 2025. By addressing the legacy of environmental degradation, the board aims to restore vital public infrastructure while promoting sustainable development within the mining sector.

The rehabilitation project specifically targets three major water treatment plants—Bonsa, Daboase, and Sekyere Heman—which have suffered from severe siltation and declining water quality due to the activities of illegal miners. While six systems were initially identified for restoration, budget constraints have limited the first phase to these three critical locations. The planned works include desilting, dredging, and infrastructure stabilization to improve water production capacity. GWL Managing Director Adam Mutawakilu noted that high turbidity levels have escalated significantly since 2017, making external financial support essential for restoring service delivery to thousands of residents in the affected communities.

In a parallel move to drive economic growth and job creation, GoldBod has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with prominent Ghanaian musicians Shatta Wale and Medikal. This collaboration aims to promote GoldBod Jewellery and champion the "Made-in-Ghana" brand on both local and international stages. The artists have committed to showcasing locally crafted gold pieces through their music videos, social media platforms, and high-profile international events such as ShattaFest UK. Mr. Gyamfi stated that this partnership is a crucial step in positioning Ghana as a global hub for gold value addition, moving beyond the export of raw materials to the production of high-quality finished goods.

To ensure the success of these initiatives, GoldBod has established a rigorous monitoring framework to oversee the GH¢8.4 million investment, with a focus on transparency and accountability in fund management. The board expects that the successful completion of the first phase of water rehabilitation will pave the way for further interventions across other degraded sites. Simultaneously, the jewelry campaign is expected to stimulate the local craft industry and create employment opportunities for Ghanaian artisans. Together, these projects represent a comprehensive effort by the Ghana Gold Board to balance industry profitability with social responsibility and national economic development.