The Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused the NDC government of effectively financing illegal mining activities through the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) Domestic Gold Purchase Programme initiative.
The Minority Leader’s accusations have once again brought the contentious issue of galamsey to the forefront, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to tackling this persistent challenge.
Afenyo-Markin’s comments came during his final and closing remark on the debate on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy in Parliament on behalf of the minority caucus, where he lambasted the government for what he perceives as a complete surrender to illegal mining. “This government has surrendered to the galamsey activities. This government has become its enabler,” he stated, highlighting the apparent contradictions in the government’s approach.
“In this budget, the government announced the Gold Board to purchase gold from small-scale miners. They are not fighting illegal mining. The NDC government, through the Gold Board, is rather financing it. This is giving it state endorsement.”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin
Afenyo-Markin’s allegation draws a direct connection between the government’s decision to empower the Gold Board and the facilitation of galamsey menace across the country.
The Minority Leader’s concerns underscore the complex nature of Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, a scourge that has ravaged the country’s natural resources and caused immense environmental damage.
Afenyo-Markin argued that the government’s decision to allow the Gold Board to purchase gold from small-scale miners, without proper mechanisms to trace the origin and legality of the gold, effectively provides state endorsement for unregulated mining operations.
Fueling the Galamsey Crisis
The Minority Leader’s accusations raise valid concerns about the potential for the Gold Board’s initiatives to inadvertently fuel the galamsey crisis.
Experts in the mining and extractives industry have long emphasized the need for robust regulations and enforcement to curb illegal mining activities, which have often been driven by the desire for quick profits and a lack of oversight.
By empowering the Gold Board to purchase gold from small-scale miners, the government may be creating a loophole that could be exploited by unscrupulous individuals involved in galamsey. Without a stringent system to verify the legitimacy of the gold sources and the miners themselves, the Gold Board’s activities could effectively finance the very problem it seeks to address.
Concerns from Other Stakeholders
Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s criticisms are not isolated, as other stakeholders in the mining and extractives community have also voiced their concerns about the government’s approach.
In a similar sentiment, a renowned academic, Prof. Stephen Adei also flagged government initiative, alleging how the Gold Board has become a “legalization of galamsey”.
The Minority Leader’s remarks echo the sentiments of those who have long advocated for a more comprehensive and coordinated effort to tackle the galamsey scourge.
The loss of eight lives of the current government including two cabinet ministers who were traveling to launch a programme aimed at combating illegal mining. Hon. Afenyo-Markin also mentioned the members of the government’s taskforce i.e National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) who also lost their lives as a result of attacks from galamseyers. According to the minority leader, all these unfortunate incidents ought to have been a wake up call to tackle the galamsey menace heads-on.
The government’s perceived lack of seriousness and commitment in addressing the crisis has left many questioning its true priorities.
The Way Forward
While the debate surrounding the government’s approach to the galamsey crisis continues, the industry players will continue to demand for more decisive actions from the government as far as illegal mining is concerned.
The Minority Leader’s accusations have raised valid concerns that must be addressed through a comprehensive and transparent strategy that prioritizes environmental protection, community engagement, and the enforcement of regulations.
Failure to address these issues effectively could not only undermine the government’s credibility but also jeopardize the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s mining industry.
The path forward requires a delicate balance between promoting economic development and safeguarding the country’s natural resources, a challenge that the government must confront with unwavering commitment and resolve.
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