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 while gold remains vital for stabilising the economy and improving living standards, human lives are inherently more precious than any amount of mineral wealth. He called for an urgent shift towards responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Mr. Gyamfi noted that illegal mining poses a significant threat to the survival and quality of life of Ghanaians, adding that the President remains committed to eradicating the menace.
He said illegal mining operations persist across various terrains, but mining in and around water bodies is the gravest offence against the country.
He disclosed that GoldBod was heavily equipping NAIMOS to confront the devastating environmental degradation.
According to him, following a recommendation from the Ghana Navy, 10 advanced speedboats have been ordered to enable the task force to patrol and protect river bodies aggressively.
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.
Mr. Gyamfi issued a stern warning to perpetrators, stating 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.
He noted that the government has criminalised the alternative market under Section 59C of the Gold Board Act, making it a punishable offence for anyone to purchase gold produced by an illegal miner.
Mr. Gyamfi explained that passing the law was only a starting point and stressed that formalisation and robust systemic frameworks are critical to achieving permanent victory over illegal operations.
He 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.
The GoldBod head announced that a ground-breaking traceability system would soon leave illegal miners with nowhere to hide as GoldBod had already initiated procurement for an advanced traceability programme, with the contract expected to be awarded within the next couple of months.
According to him, the system, when deployed, will achieve a historic milestone for Ghana by tracing every single ounce of gold purchased by the government directly back to its mine of origin.
He added that the initiative would allow the state to continuously monitor mining practices and intervene to either reform or shut down non-compliant operations.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, the President of the National House of Chiefs, commended the GoldBod CEO and his team for their exceptional execution of duties.
He appealed to GoldBod to support the House in fixing the leaking roof of its new hall at Sewua, a project that has been left uncompleted for over 20 years to accommodate chiefs and the media who cover their meetings.
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