"Ghana Gold Board wants gold, but it must be mined, sourced responsibly” – Sammy Gyamfi

The Ghana Gold Board has reinforced its commitment to responsible mining with a GHC 5 million cash donation and five Toyota Hilux pickups to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), in a bold move to support the fight against illegal mining, also known as galamsey.

Speaking at a brief handover ceremony at the Gold Board’s head office in Accra, Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, Esq. stated, “The Ghana Gold Board wants gold, but it must be mined and sourced responsibly to create better value.” 

He explained that the donation forms part of a broader effort to promote ethical gold sourcing and sustainability across the mining sector.

The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, also aims to enhance gold traceability and enforce environmental standards.

Receiving the donation, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the Gold Board’s leadership in the national campaign against illegal mining.

He noted that the support would boost enforcement activities and aid in restoring thousands of hectares of forest land ravaged by galamsey operations.

Buah disclosed that over 5,500 hectares of forest reserves have been destroyed over the past eight years, making land reclamation a critical priority.

He also reiterated the government’s focus on strengthening collaboration with security services, local authorities, and traditional leaders in the anti-galamsey fight.

As part of its long-term commitment, the Gold Board announced it will launch a series of community-focused development projects starting October 2025.

These will include potable water systems, educational and health infrastructure, and scholarship schemes for underprivileged students in mining communities.

The move highlights the Ghana Gold Board’s shift toward not just responsible mining practices, but meaningful social investment in the communities impacted by gold extraction.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith