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Minority Demands Sammy Gyamfi’s Resignation as GoldBod CEO Over Small-Scale Mining Licence Comments
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi. The Caucus says his comments suggest that small-scale miners can operate without the requisite licences and permits. Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong issued the statement on behalf of the Caucus. Furthermore, the Minority demanded an unqualified apology from Mr Gyamfi, government sanctions against him, and a clear roadmap from President John Mahama to end illegal mining.
Minority Says Gyamfi’s Comments Contradict Mining Laws
The Minority Caucus argued that Mr Gyamfi’s reported position directly contradicts the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). It cited Sections 9(1) and 82(1) of the Act, which set out licensing requirements for all mining activities. Moreover, the Caucus referred to Section 89, which provides for the designation of areas for small-scale mining, insisting that any such arrangement must comply with the law. The statement questioned the logic of allowing unlicensed mining operations, asking whether the same exception could apply in schools, churches, hospitals, Parliament, and Jubilee House. Therefore, the Caucus described Mr Gyamfi’s comments as reckless and damaging to the credibility of the Ghana Gold Board.
Minority Calls for GoldBod Audit and Galamsey State of Emergency
The Minority Caucus outlined a series of firm demands beyond Mr Gyamfi’s removal. It called for a thorough audit of GoldBod’s documentation to verify whether gold purchases can be traced from the mine to the market and whether they comply with responsible sourcing requirements. In addition, the Caucus urged President Mahama to declare a state of emergency in all red flag galamsey hotspots across the country. It also called for the formalisation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat through a Legislative Instrument to give the body legal structure and authority. As a result, the Caucus said these steps were necessary to ensure accountability and strengthen efforts to tackle illegal mining as the government had promised before the 2024 general elections.
Minority Urges Civil Society and Public to Demand Accountability
The Minority Caucus called on civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, traditional authorities, the media, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, trade unions, and other Ghanaians to condemn Mr Gyamfi’s comments. It also urged development partners and the diplomatic community to demand accountability from the NDC government on its galamsey promises. Moreover, it called on the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and professional bodies to join in pressing the government to act decisively. However, the NDC government has not yet publicly responded to the Minority’s demands. In addition, Mr Gyamfi has not issued a public statement in response to the calls for his resignation as of the time of this report.