Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has announced that the Minority Caucus in Parliament will summon the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to explain remarks attributed to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, concerning unlicensed small-scale mining.

The controversy follows a widely circulated video in which Mr Gyamfi appeared to suggest that miners operating outside restricted areas could continue their activities while arrangements were made to formalise and register them.

The Minority wants the Lands Minister to clarify the government’s position on whether miners can operate without the required licences and obtain authorisation later.

Minority raises concerns over mining laws

The Minority has questioned the legality of allowing small-scale miners to operate without the necessary licences, warning that such an approach could undermine Ghana’s mining regulations and efforts to combat illegal mining.

The caucus has cited the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which requires the appropriate mineral rights and licences before mining activities can legally take place.

The issue has also prompted calls for accountability from the government over its approach to regulating artisanal and small-scale mining.

GoldBod CEO explains his position

Mr Gyamfi has rejected claims that he endorsed illegal mining, describing the viral video as selectively edited and misleading.

In a clarification issued by GoldBod, he explained that the government’s objective was to identify eligible informal miners and bring them into a lawful, regulated and environmentally responsible system.

He maintained that mining in water bodies, forest reserves and prohibited areas such as roadsides and school lands cannot be tolerated.

GoldBod has also explained that the formalisation process is intended to ensure that eligible miners obtain the necessary legal documentation, permits, training and regulatory oversight.

Debate over formalisation and enforcement

The controversy has renewed public debate about how Ghana can formalise small-scale mining without weakening the enforcement of existing laws.

While the government has promoted formalisation as part of efforts to regulate the sector, critics insist that miners must obtain the required authorisation before commencing operations.

The planned parliamentary engagement is expected to give the Lands Minister an opportunity to clarify the government’s policy and explain how the formalisation programme will comply with Ghana’s mining laws.

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