The Minority in Parliament has expressed concern over former President John Dramani Mahama’s proposed GoldBod initiative, warning that the policy could worsen illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey, rather than curb it.
According to the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the GoldBod concept—designed to regulate gold purchasing and streamline the trade—risks opening new loopholes that illegal miners could exploit if it is not carefully structured and robustly enforced.
He argued that the absence of strong oversight mechanisms could inadvertently legitimise gold sourced from unlawful mining activities.
Afenyo-Markin noted that galamsey remains one of Ghana’s most severe environmental and socio-economic challenges, pointing to the destruction of farmlands, pollution of major water bodies, and serious threats to public health.
Addressing the media at the Minority Caucus’ Holding Government to Account press briefing, he accused the government of failing to clearly articulate its policy direction and outline concrete measures to combat illegal mining.
He cautioned that any policy affecting gold trading must prioritise strict traceability and enforcement, warning that failure to do so could reverse gains made in the fight against galamsey.
Touching on the Gold-for-Reserves policy, Afenyo-Markin said the Minority was not opposed to the initiative, stressing that it was originally introduced by his side of the House. However, he raised strong objections to the establishment of GoldBod as both a regulator and an operator.
“The establishment of the GoldBod as a regulator and also an operator is, in a way, directly encouraging galamsey activities,” he said.
He added that the impact of illegal mining on the environment has worsened, noting that organised labour groups have raised alarms over the continued pollution of water bodies.
“Our water bodies are being polluted. In fact, Organised Labour has sounded the alarm and indicated that galamsey activities have worsened,” he stated.
Afenyo-Markin further accused the government of lacking genuine commitment to the fight against illegal mining, describing its efforts as cosmetic.
“This government has failed to provide evidence of its commitment to the fight against galamsey. It is clear they are engaged in a public relations gimmick, focusing on optics rather than substance,” he said.
He also questioned GoldBod’s operational transparency, saying it remains unclear whether the body distinguishes between legally mined gold and gold from illicit sources.
“Today, we do not know whether GoldBod makes a distinction between legally mined gold and illicit gold. All we hear are success stories and claims about the tonnes of gold purchased,” he added.
