'For an institution keen on responsible sourcing; there's no way our CEO will endorse galamsey' — GoldBod's Prince Minkah insists

Head of Media Relations at GoldBod, Prince Minkah

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has defended its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, against criticism over his comments on small-scale mining, insisting that he was explaining a formalisation process and not endorsing illegal mining.

The board's Head of Media Relations, Prince Minkah, said Mr Gyamfi's remarks had been made during an interactive session with miners who raised concerns about alleged harassment by authorities.

Speaking to Bernard Avle on Channel One TV's The Point of View on Monday, October 26, Mr Minkah said he witnessed the exchange and maintained that the CEO's comments had been taken out of context.

“I was at that very event, and I saw how matters played out. So there was an interactive session where questions were asked, and one of the concerns that the miners raised had to do with how they are being harassed,” he said.

Mr Minkah explained that Mr Gyamfi was outlining the eligibility requirements for GoldBod's formalisation initiative, which seeks to provide a pathway for qualifying unlicensed artisanal and small-scale mining operators to enter the regulated system, subject to the law.

“The comment was in no way endorsing illegal mining. He was rather explaining the distinction between irresponsible mining that must not be tolerated and unlicensed artisanal and small-scale mining operations that may be considered for formalisation, subject to the law, site eligibility, regulatory screening, as well as the acquisition of the required permits and licences,” he added.

He stressed that the initiative was designed to promote responsible mining and bring eligible operators into the formal regulatory framework, rather than legitimise unlawful activities.

“At the core of this particular programme is responsible mining and formalisation,” he stated.

Mr Minkah also referred to Mr Gyamfi's remarks at the Mining in Motion conference, which he said demonstrated GoldBod's commitment to responsible mining practices and the sourcing of gold.

He argued that the board had a vested interest in ensuring that gold handled through its trading activities was responsibly sourced, warning that supplies obtained through irresponsible mining practices could undermine its operations.

“For an institution that is keen on responsible sourcing, there is no way you would have our CEO endorse an illegality,” he said.

Mr Minkah maintained that GoldBod remained committed to responsible sourcing and the formalisation of eligible small-scale mining operations in compliance with the law.