In a significant move to strengthen government’s fight against illegal mining, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has donated GHS 5 million and five (5) Toyota Hilux pickups to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The donation ceremony took place at GoldBod’s head office in Accra on Monday, September 15, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m.
Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi Esq., who made the presentation, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
He explained that the donation forms part of GoldBod’s broader initiatives to preserve the ecological integrity of mining communities and promote responsible mining.
“The Ghana Gold Board wants to buy more gold for foreign exchange generation for the country. But the gold we buy must be mined and sourced responsibly to create value in a manner that does not undermine the sanctity of our environment. Our collective survival as a people depends on the success of the fight against illegal mining, and so we cannot afford to fail,” he said.
Mr. Gyamfi further stressed that GoldBod will continue to support persons who engage in legal and responsible mining, but will also work with NAIMOS to deal firmly with recalcitrant individuals determined to engage in illegal activities.
In addition to the cash and vehicles, he announced upcoming initiatives to enhance value-chain traceability in the gold trade sector and formalize the small-scale mining industry.
He also disclosed GoldBod’s decision to support the reclamation of 1,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves and to back the cooperative mining programme launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Receiving the donation, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, expressed profound gratitude to GoldBod, noting that the gesture comes as a major boost to the fight against “galamsey.”
The Minister assured the public that government will not relent but sustain the fight until devastated forests are restored and polluted water bodies reclaimed.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Akora Kofi Darko
