Sammy Gyamfi defends plan to formalise unlicensed small-scale miners

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has clarified the government's strategy to formalise unlicensed small-scale miners who operate outside prohibited zones. Speaking during a programme at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Gyamfi emphasised that the initiative, known as the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), aims to bring eligible miners into the legal fold. He argued that providing legal documentation and training is a more effective long-term solution than relying on forceful military interventions to chase miners away from sites.

Under the proposed framework, mining operations that do not encroach upon forest reserves, water bodies, or other sensitive environmental areas can qualify for state support. Gyamfi noted that while artisanal mining that harms public safety or the environment remains strictly unacceptable, many operators can be transformed into responsible miners through structured assistance. This clarification follows the circulation of an edited video on social media which Gyamfi stated misrepresented his comments by omitting key details regarding the government's commitment to environmental regulation.

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners (GNASSM) has come out in support of the GoldBod CEO, asserting that the proposal is an effort to register eligible miners while ensuring environmental protection rather than an endorsement of "galamsey." GNASSM urged a non-partisan approach to the issue, reinforcing GoldBod's goal of stabilising the artisanal sector. These efforts align with the broader commitment of President John Mahama to confront the environmental challenges of illegal mining while fostering a more inclusive and regulated industry.

Looking ahead, GoldBod plans to launch a new formalisation and financing programme designed to boost responsible gold production and minimise environmental risks. Gyamfi also indicated that additional support programmes are scheduled for 2027 to further enhance the industry’s capacity. These initiatives are intended to provide the necessary resources and skills for miners to comply with national standards, ensuring the small-scale sector contributes to the national economy without compromising Ghana's natural resources.