The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and conflict-free diamond trade during the opening ceremony of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) Review Visit to Ghana.

Speaking at the event held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra, on Monday, March 9, 2026, the GoldBod CEO welcomed the international delegation and expressed Ghana’s readiness to cooperate fully with the review team.

The review mission, taking place from March 9 to 12, is led by the Russian Federation and brings together representatives from participating countries, government institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations.

In his address, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that Ghana remains firmly committed to the principles and objectives of the Kimberley Process, which was established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the global market.

“Our participation in the Kimberley Process reflects our determination to ensure that diamonds produced and exported from Ghana comply fully with international standards while contributing meaningfully to national development and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.

He noted that Ghana’s implementation of the certification scheme is supported by strong inter-agency collaboration involving the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Commission, the Ghana Revenue Authority, law enforcement agencies, and other industry stakeholders.

According to Mr. Gyamfi, this coordinated approach has strengthened export controls, traceability systems, and verification processes to ensure that diamonds exported from Ghana remain conflict-free and responsibly sourced.

The CEO highlighted recent reforms aimed at improving governance across Ghana’s diamond value chain.

These include strengthening inspection and verification mechanisms, enhancing internal control systems, improving data management processes, and providing continued capacity building for technical and frontline officers.

He also pointed to sustained oversight in diamond-producing areas such as Akwatia and surrounding communities as part of efforts to ensure compliance with global standards.

Describing the review visit as an important opportunity for constructive engagement and institutional learning, Mr. Gyamfi said:

“We view this review not merely as an assessment exercise but as a platform for dialogue, peer learning, and strengthening our systems. We are confident that the observations and recommendations of the review team will support Ghana in further improving its implementation of Kimberley Process requirements.”

Technical teams from Ghana are expected to brief the delegation on the country’s legal and regulatory framework governing the diamond sector, export and certification procedures, internal control systems, and collaboration with enforcement agencies.

As part of the visit, the delegation will also undertake field engagements and institutional meetings to gain deeper insight into Ghana’s diamond governance system.

The CEO noted that Ghana currently serves as Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process and is preparing to assume the Chairmanship in 2027.

He assured participants that the country remains committed to supporting the continued evolution of the process through inclusive dialogue and pragmatic leadership.

He also expressed hope that members of the delegation would experience Ghana’s hospitality and rich cultural heritage during their stay.

Mr. Gyamfi officially declared the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Review Visit to Ghana open, wishing the delegation fruitful deliberations and a successful mission.

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President John Dramani Mahama delivered a compelling address on Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, urging citizen to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and patriotism while advancing the nation’s socio-economic transformation.

Speaking under the theme “Building Prosperity, Inspiring Hope,” the President emphasized that Ghana’s progress relies not only on government action but also on active citizen participation.

Addressing dignitaries, including Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents John Agyekum Kuffour and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and other senior officials, President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s journey from its independence in 1957 under Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah to its present democratic achievements.

He reaffirmed that Ghana’s democracy has endured because citizens have learned to compete without destroying, disagree without hatred, and transfer power peacefully.

The President recounted Ghana’s historical and continental contributions, underscoring efforts to address historical injustices.

“Later this month, Ghana will submit a motion to the United Nations declaring slavery and the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity,” he stated, calling for justice and restitution for Africa and its diaspora.

On domestic development, President Mahama highlighted key achievements over the past year, including economic stabilization, debt renegotiation, and the creation of employment opportunities. He also celebrated the assent of the 24-hour Economy Authority Bill, aimed at boosting productivity, expanding business operations across multiple shifts, and generating thousands of jobs.

The President announced the near completion of the Women’s Development Bank, a platform providing financing, mentorship, and business support to women-led enterprises, emphasizing that empowering women strengthens families and drives national prosperity.

Youth empowerment and digital innovation were central to the address. President Mahama encouraged Ghana’s young generation to harness technology, entrepreneurship programs, and apprenticeship initiatives to transform ideas into business opportunities and creative ventures.

Ghana’s role in Africa’s economic integration was also highlighted. President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promoted a vision of a continent united by economic sovereignty, innovation, and shared prosperity.

Closing his address, President Mahama called on all Ghanaians to commit to excellence, uphold national values, and place the country above personal or partisan interests.

“Building prosperity, inspiring hope is not merely today’s theme; it is our national mission,” he declared.

The President concluded with a patriotic message: “May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong. Long live Ghana and long live African unity.”

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Nine individuals, including five Customs officers and personnel from various agencies, have been arrested in connection with the interception of a large consignment of undeclared Tramadol at Tema Port.

The arrest followed a significant seizure by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) involving 299 cartons containing 146,932,000 tablets of Tramadol Hydrochloride, weighing a total of 34,847.2 kilograms.

The operation was prompted by intelligence from the Preventive Wing of the Customs Division.

The shipment, which had been cleared under Bill of Entry 40226151187 on February 26, 2026, had been declared as containing household items, such as water kettles, kitchen blenders, and pressing irons.

However, upon re-examination on March 1, 2026, Customs officers discovered large quantities of concealed Tramadol tablets hidden within the container.

The shipment originated from the United Arab Emirates and was flagged due to discrepancies found during the joint re-examination by Customs officers and the Central Revenue Monitoring Team.

The authorities also detained the importer and declarant, who have been handed over to the police for further investigations.

The arrested officers include five from Customs, as well as one from the Narcotics Control Commission, one from Port Security, one from the Energy Commission, and one from the Standards Authority.

These individuals have been placed under Police inquiry bail.

The GRA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national security, public health, and the integrity of Ghana’s revenue and border management systems.

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President John Dramani Mahama believes the current high gold prices present a unique opportunity to build a buoyant economy that will shield the country from future financial shocks.

Describing it as an “economic war chest,” President Mahama explained that it would improve living standards and create lasting prosperity for future generations.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), since its establishment, has been positioned to lead the accumulation of foreign exchange reserves by purchasing gold from artisanal small-scale miners and some large-scale mining firms.

To start, it plans to purchase 127 tonnes of gold annually from licensed miners across the country.

In his State of the Nation’s address in Parliament, President Mahama said: “Mr. Speaker, it is forecast that gold prices will remain high over the next three years, and so this presents us with the unique opportunity to build an economic war chest to withstand any global shocks, secure our macroeconomic stability, improve the standard of living of our citizens, and build lasting prosperity for future generations.”

The government aims to bolster international reserves, stabilize the currency, and provide access to substantial foreign exchange without increasing public debt.

With gold prices projected to remain elevated, Ghana expects to enhance its economic stability and secure long-term prosperity.

The President, in his address to Parliament, credited the Ghana Gold Board as the key driver behind Ghana’s significant boost in international reserves, now standing at $13.8 billion, covering 5.7 months of imports.

According to him, GoldBod’s establishment has led to a surge in gold exports, with 103 tonnes exported in 10 months, generating over $10 billion in forex inflows.

This move aims to strengthen Ghana’s economic stability and assert sovereignty over its natural resources.

Addressing Parliament in his State of the Nation’s address, President Mahama noted that formalizing gold exports has reduced smuggling and increased recorded exports in the artisanal small-scale mining sector, with exports expected to reach 66.3 tonnes by the end of 2024.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, last week, announced that the Ghana Gold Board would lead the country’s first-ever comprehensive national policy aimed at building sustainable macroeconomic stability and robust external reserves.

The policy, the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANARAP), will leverage gold to strengthen Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and promote economic stability.

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The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is partnering with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to strengthen land reclamation efforts in mining areas across the country.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced that the partnership aims to promote sustainable mining practices and formalize Ghana’s gold business sector.

This initiative is part of GoldBod’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, including the restoration of several hectares of land.

The program will employ advanced environmental remediation techniques and sustainable land-use planning to transform abandoned mining sites into productive agricultural land, community spaces, and restored natural habitats.

“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Ghana Gold Board will support and scale up sustainability initiatives, such as land reclamation,” he told Parliament.

Illegal mining, also known as galamsey, has severely degraded over 4,000 hectares of land and compromised 34 forest reserves across seven regions.

Recent government actions, including a ban on mining in forest reserves and the launch of rehabilitation initiatives, form part of efforts to protect the land.

Empirical findings indicate that major rivers, including the Pra and Ankobra, are heavily polluted with mercury and cyanide, exceeding WHO safety limits.

Deforestation in mining zones has significantly reduced carbon sequestration, exacerbating climate vulnerability.

Restoration strategies, such as afforestation, biochar application, and phytoremediation, have had mixed success due to weak policy enforcement, financial constraints, and low community engagement.

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President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new Steel Ball Mill and Section Mill Manufacturing Plant by B5 Plus Group, describing the investment as a bold step toward strengthening Ghana’s industrial transformation and advancing the 24-Hour Economy agenda.

The new facility significantly expands Ghana’s capacity to produce structural steel sections, grinding media balls for the mining industry, pre-engineered building (PEB) systems, and heavy industrial structures, including warehouses, tankers, trailers, and factory systems.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, February 20, 2026, Executive Director Mr. Mukesh Tarkwani said the commissioning represents more than the opening of a factory.

“Today marks the expansion of Ghana’s industrial frontier and the deepening of value addition within our mining and construction sectors,” he stated.

He emphasized that the civil works, structural fabrication, and installations were executed by Ghanaian engineers and technicians, reinforcing local expertise and industrial confidence.

B5 Plus now operates the largest Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) facility in West Africa and the second largest in Africa.

The company directly and indirectly employs over 15,000 Ghanaians and has remained a consistent member of Ghana Club 100 for more than a decade.

In line with sustainable industrialization, the company has commissioned a 16.5MW rooftop solar plant, with an additional 16.5MW under installation, bringing the total renewable capacity to 33MW by year-end.

The initiative underscores the possibility of aligning heavy industry with the green energy transition.

Beyond manufacturing, B5 Plus highlighted its social impact, including nationwide blood donation campaigns, educational sponsorships, and the supply of free medical oxygen to hospitals for 25 months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company also called for targeted policy support, including fiscal incentives for industrial equipment, access to domestic scrap for recycling, and anti-dumping safeguards to protect local manufacturers from unfair imports.

With expanded production capacity and renewable energy integration, the new plant is expected to reduce steel imports, conserve foreign exchange, create additional jobs, and position Ghana as a leading steel fabrication hub in West Africa.

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President John Dramani Mahama, on Thursday, February 19, 2026, called on Muslims both at home and abroad to be compassionate as they embark on a month-long Ramadan fast.

According to him, the period should be used to reflect on the need to embrace discipline and generosity toward the less fortunate in society.

In his 2026 Ramadan message, President Mahama said, “As you break your fast each evening with family and friends, remember that the true beauty of Ramadan lies not just in abstaining from food, but in the discipline, compassion, and generosity we show to all, especially to those less fortunate.”

President Mahama, who wished the Muslim community well during the period on behalf of the First Lady, described the period as a social one.

“As we stand at the threshold of this blessed month of Ramadan, Lordina and I extend our warmest greetings to you and your families. Ramadan is truly a special time; a month of reflection, renewal, and coming together as one community,” he said.

He further added, “As you begin your fast, may your hearts be purified and your imān strengthened. May Allah, the Most Merciful, grant you good health, peace of mind, and abundant mercies throughout these thirty days.”

President Mahama said while it is his desire for their hearts to be purified and their prayers answered, it is incumbent on the Muslim community to ensure peace in the country.

“May your prayers be answered, your good deeds be accepted, and may this Ramadan bring you closer to your Creator and to one another. Let us use this holy month to strengthen the bonds of unity, love, and peace in our communities and across our beloved Ghana,” he stressed.

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The Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for support for all Ghanaians, especially the vulnerable and persons with special needs.

According to her, “Our shared humanity calls us to support one another and build a society where everyone is valued.”

The Vice President made this statement when she joined the New Horizon Special School to celebrate the school’s Fun Games. She also said, “I am mindful of all that made the event possible: the dedication of the staff, caregivers, families, and supporters who work tirelessly behind the scenes. I also commend the students for their enthusiasm, which lifted the atmosphere throughout today.”

The students displayed their remarkable talents through exciting games and activities, which was heartwarming to witness.

“What they can do with the right care, support, and training,” the Vice President said.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also praised the students for their infectious energy and spirit, saying, “Your enthusiasm lifted the atmosphere throughout the morning, and I was truly inspired by your resilience and determination.

Your dedication is a testament to the power of compassion and humanity.”

The Vice President also presented one hundred boxes of sanitary pads, one hundred boxes of soap, and other items to the management of the school to care for the students.

The event highlighted the importance of building a society where everyone is valued and supported.

The Fun Day Games featured a range of exciting activities and games, showcasing the students’ skills and talents.

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President John Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, visited two victims of the Burkina Faso terrorist attack currently admitted to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.

The survivors were among Ghanaian tomato traders traveling on a truck, which was ambushed by armed bandits.

The attackers lined up the men on board and massacred them before setting the vehicle ablaze.

President Mahama, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, commiserated with the survivors and assured them that their bills would be absorbed by the government.

The President, who was in Takoradi earlier in the morning on official duty, rushed to the hospital immediately after his flight landed to engage the victims and gather first-hand information on the tragic incident.

Seven Ghanaians killed in the attack have since been buried, while the survivors have been successfully transported home by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

All survivors are undergoing counseling and receiving the necessary support, while others who were injured are receiving treatment.

PHOTOS OF THE VISIT

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The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has announced the immediate suspension of applications for selected categories of gold-buying licenses as part of sweeping regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening and modernizing Ghana’s gold trading regime.

In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, and signed by GOLDBOD Management, it was disclosed that the suspension affects new applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Gold Buying Licenses, as well as the Self-Financing Aggregator License.

However, the board clarified that during the suspension period, the Aggregator License will remain the only gold trading license category open to new applicants.

GOLDBOD assured stakeholders that all applications submitted prior to the announcement will continue to be processed.

According to the statement, the Board will fast-track the review and issuance of pending licenses, provided applicants meet all regulatory requirements and have fulfilled the necessary fee obligations.

The directive forms part of broader measures to facilitate impending reforms to Ghana’s national gold-buying framework. These reforms are expected to enhance transparency in the sector, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen traceability mechanisms, and ensure greater value retention within the country’s gold trading ecosystem.

Management emphasized that the reforms are intended to position Ghana’s gold trading regime as robust, accountable, and internationally competitive, while safeguarding the national interest.

GOLDBOD further assured stakeholders across the gold value chain of its commitment to collaboration throughout the reform process. It added that further updates regarding the revised licensing framework will be communicated in due course.

The temporary suspension is seen as a strategic step toward restructuring the country’s gold-buying architecture to align with evolving regulatory and market demands.

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The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has directed six licensed gold service providers to report to its head office in Accra as part of a routine compliance exercise aimed at ensuring adherence to financial and operational regulations in the gold trading sector.

In a compliance notice issued under Section 43 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), the Board said its Compliance Directorate is undertaking an assessment to verify that gold service providers are operating in line with applicable laws.

“The Compliance Directorate is carrying out a routine exercise to ensure financial and operational compliance with applicable enactments by gold service providers,” the statement said.

Directors or owners of the affected companies have been instructed to appear at GoldBod’s head office on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to assist with the exercise.

The notice lists the following companies: Max-Palasco Limited, S-Seven Hills Enterprise, Passion Gold Limited, IBF Mineral Resource Limited, Maabisco Multipurpose Enterprise, and Gastonesin Enterprise.

GoldBod emphasized its commitment to strengthening oversight in the gold sector and enforcing compliance across the industry.

“The GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” the statement, signed by the Compliance Directorate, said.

The exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Board to formalize and regulate Ghana’s gold trade.

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President John Dramani has commissioned new ambassadors and urged them to continue safeguarding Ghana’s image on the international stage.

According to him, Ghana’s strong reputation on the global stage is as a result of decades of sacrifice and that must be protected.

“Ghana’s strong reputation as a stable democracy and a very strong responsible nation is a result of decades of sacrifice and national consensus. You are entrusted with safeguarding and strengthening this reputation” President Mahama said

President Mahama called on them to project Ghana as an ideal destination for business and a voice for global affairs.

“You must project Ghana as a dependable partner, as a predictable destination for business and tourism, and a principled yet pragmatic voice in regional and global affairs” he intimated

President John Mahama made the remarks at the commissioning of new envoys for Ghana.

They are Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lt. Col. Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed, Ambassador to the Republic of Mali, Mr. Kofi Attor, Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba, Mr. Emmanuel Opeku, Ambassador-in-Situ and Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam, High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta.

President Mahama further called on the envoy to fully comply with all laid down rules guiding their activities.

“At the same time, high performance must be matched with discipline and prudence. The government has approved cost containment measures, including rent ceilings for missions and a shift away from unsustainable rental and leasing arrangements. I expect full compliance with all directives and procurement procedures” he stressed.

He said “Ghana’s diplomacy must be known not only for excellence, but also value for money, transparency and responsible stewardship. Beyond policies and targets, diplomacy is ultimately about character. You are the living faces of Ghana” while urging them to “conduct yourselves with dignity, discipline and humility. Uphold the highest ethical standards, respect confidentiality and let your conduct reflect the values we cherish. Those are honesty, respect, fairness, professionalism and service” the President emphasized.

Source: myxyzonline.com