The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over comments it claims suggest that small-scale mining can be undertaken without a licence in certain areas.
In a statement signed by the Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the NPP condemned Gyamfi’s alleged remarks in a widely circulated video, describing them as reckless and contrary to Ghana’s mining laws.
According to the party, Gyamfi appeared to suggest that galamsey operators could mine gold without a small-scale mining licence or the requisite permits, provided their operations were not located in forest reserves, near water bodies or by roadsides.
The NPP questioned whether such a position would effectively allow mining activities to take place in other locations without authorisation, arguing that the comments could encourage lawlessness and undermine efforts to combat illegal mining.
The party maintained that Ghana’s mining laws require operators to obtain the appropriate mineral rights and licences before undertaking mining activities.
Citing Sections 9(1) and 82(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), the statement said individuals could not lawfully conduct mining activities without the required mineral rights or a valid small-scale mining licence.
The NPP accused the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) of failing to deliver on its campaign promises to tackle illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, and argued that Gyamfi’s alleged comments contradicted President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to intensify the fight against the menace.
The party also raised concerns about the environmental destruction associated with illegal mining and called on civil society organisations, traditional authorities, religious leaders, professional bodies, the media and other stakeholders to demand accountability from the government.
The NPP outlined seven demands, including an unqualified apology from Gyamfi, government condemnation and sanctions over his alleged conduct, and his resignation or dismissal as GoldBod CEO.
It further called for a comprehensive audit of GoldBod’s documentation to verify the traceability of gold purchases from mine to market and establish responsible sourcing practices.
The party also urged President Mahama’s administration to present a clear roadmap for ending galamsey, declare a state of emergency in areas identified as illegal mining hotspots, and establish a legislative instrument to formalise the operations of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The NPP said these measures were necessary to restore confidence in public institutions and demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing illegal mining.
