The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially endorsed the renewed campaign against illegal mining, commonly referred to as ‘galamsey’. Its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., has taken a firm position against the environmental destruction caused by this practice.
During his address at the 2025 Dubai Precious Metals Conference, Mr. Gyamfi conveyed a clear message to the nation: “no amount of gold is worth a human life.”
The CEO emphasized that although the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector has played a crucial role in Ghana’s current economic revival, significantly contributing to the appreciation of the Cedi and maintaining single-digit inflation, the actions of illegal and irresponsible miners are an intolerable cost.
He pointed out the severe repercussions of unregulated mining activities, particularly the pollution of Ghana’s essential river systems, the destruction of forest reserves, and the contamination of land with toxic substances such as mercury and excessive cyanide.
GoldBod Mobilizes Forces with NAIMOS
In order to address this persistent national issue, Mr. Gyamfi announced that GoldBod is now actively collaborating with the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operation Secretariat (NAIMOS). This alliance aims to implement a “fierce and ruthless” crackdown on all individuals and organizations engaged in illegal mining practices that jeopardize Ghana’s ecological balance.
The GoldBod Act (ACT 1140), 2025, requires the Board to advocate for the formalization of the ASM industry through responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives. By partnering with NAIMOS, GoldBod is ensuring that its regulatory and sourcing authority is effectively utilized to rectify the sector.
The government’s dedication goes beyond local operations. Mr. Gyamfi took advantage of the global platform to call on developing nations to enact necessary reforms, direct strategic investments into sustainable ASM, and “enforce mining and sourcing regulations, with severe penalties for offenders.”
He also urged international organizations, such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the OECD, and the LBMA, to collaborate with Ghana in ensuring that gold is integrated into the global supply chain in an ethical and responsible manner.
By aligning its operations with NAIMOS, GoldBod is not merely seeking economic success but is also honoring a commitment to its citizens: to transform the gold industry into a catalyst for sustainable development where environmental responsibility and economic progress genuinely “go hand in hand.”
The message directed at illegal miners is clear: the opportunity for impunity is swiftly diminishing, and the nation’s shared future will be safeguarded with steadfast dedication.
