Sammy Gyamfi’s mining formalisation remarks do not warrant resignation – Centre for Mining Research and Policy

The Centre for Mining Research and Policy has rejected the Minority’s call for the resignation of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over his comments on the formalisation of small-scale mining.

The Centre said the call was not justified, arguing that Mr Gyamfi’s position focused on bringing eligible small-scale miners into the formal regulatory system rather than allowing illegal mining to continue.

Senior Research Fellow at the Centre, Dr Ofori Kodua, said Mr Gyamfi had made it clear that eligible operators must obtain the necessary documentation, permits, certification and training to operate legally.

He added that the GoldBod CEO had condemned mining activities that destroy water bodies, encroach on forest reserves or endanger communities.

The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, which co-organised the engagement at which the disputed remarks were made, has also defended their context. According to the association, the excerpt circulated from the event gave a misleading impression of a discussion about registering and regularising eligible operators.

The Centre said the Minority’s demand for Mr Gyamfi’s resignation did not adequately consider that explanation.

It also cited GoldBod’s reported performance in the small-scale gold trading sector as a reason to continue supporting the board’s reforms.

According to the figures provided by GoldBod, the institution aggregated and exported 85.4 tonnes of small-scale gold valued at US$11.6 billion between January and October 20, 2026.

The Centre said the figures demonstrated the economic importance of the sector and the need to strengthen official channels for gold trading.

It further pointed to GoldBod’s reported support for anti-illegal-mining operations and funding for the reclamation of 50 hectares in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve.

The board is also procuring a traceability system intended to establish the lawful origin of gold moving through the supply chain.

The Centre acknowledged that the initiatives would require effective implementation and scrutiny but argued that they provided grounds for continued engagement with GoldBod’s reform agenda.

It maintained that small-scale mining formalisation must be tied to compliance with licensing requirements, safer practices and regulatory supervision, while destructive mining should be subject to enforcement action.

The Centre therefore called on the Minority to focus on scrutinising the implementation and results of the reforms rather than demanding Mr Gyamfi’s removal.

It also cited GoldBod’s engagement with the World Gold Council on formalisation, traceability and responsible processing as evidence of efforts to align Ghana’s domestic priorities with international expertise.

The Centre said Mr Gyamfi should be allowed to continue leading the reforms, while his performance and the outcomes of the initiatives remain subject to public and parliamentary scrutiny.