GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has stepped forward to clarify his stance on the formalisation of unlicensed small-scale mining, a topic that recently sparked widespread debate. Addressing critics who accused him of encouraging illegal mining, Gyamfi insisted that operators working outside protected zones such as forest reserves, water bodies, and other environmentally sensitive areas could be responsibly integrated into the formal mining sector.
In a detailed response to the controversy, Gyamfi argued that supporting the formalisation of eligible miners was a more practical and effective solution than pursuing them with security forces. He stressed, however, that not all forms of unlicensed mining could be condoned. Operations that pollute water bodies, take place in forest reserves, or are conducted dangerously close to roadsides, school lands, or even within homes, he said, must remain prohibited.
Gyamfi explained that artisanal and small-scale miners who work outside these restricted areas could qualify for formalisation under the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), provided their activities are environmentally sound.
According to him, the programme aims to transform unlicensed operators into licensed, responsible miners by offering legal documentation, permits, certifications, and the necessary training to operate safely and sustainably.
He also dismissed a video circulating online as a misleading, edited version of his earlier remarks, claiming it omitted key information about the government’s support for responsible mining. Gyamfi reiterated that formalisation, training, and financing are central to fostering environmentally responsible small-scale mining, strengthening traceability, and improving industry standards.
Looking ahead, the GoldBod CEO announced plans to roll out an Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027. The initiative, he said, would be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology, and Rand Refinery. Its goal: to increase gold production, boost mineral revenues, create jobs, and reduce both operational costs and environmental risks.
With these measures, Gyamfi hopes to shift the narrative around small-scale mining in Ghana, promoting a future where responsible practices take center stage.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com