The Member of Parliament for Suame, Honourable John Darko has accused the Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi of enabling illegal mining, questioning the government’s commitment to fighting galamsey amid what he considers “contradictory public statements.”
The Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee also criticised the Majority for allegedly shielding government officials especially Goldbod CEO from parliamentary scrutiny, insisting that political loyalty must not take precedence over the protection of the country’s forests and water bodies.
“This guy has become the biggest enabler of galamsey because we keep asking: where is the gold being bought from? Sammy Gyamfi claims that he is now buying gold worth over $10 billion. Where is all that gold coming from? We are told that it comes from a particular area, yet there is no way of tracing where the gold is actually being purchased.”
Honourable John Darko
Furthermore, he accused the government of creating conditions that allow illegal miners to profit from their activities, arguing that the purchase of gold without adequate traceability undermines efforts to halt the destruction.
The Suame MP also disputed the suggestion that illegal mining could be regularised after operators have already commenced activities without the necessary approvals. He criticised comments attributed to Sammy Gyamfi and the Lands Ministry’s spokesperson, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, which he believes could be interpreted as “accommodating unlawful mining.”
Turning to Parliament’s oversight responsibilities, Honourable Darko expressed disappointment that the Majority allegedly defended district chief executives accused of involvement in illegal mining during committee proceedings.
He cited instances in which some assembly officials were questioned over the issuance of receipts connected to illegal mining operations. “The Majority feel that anything that we do is going to give the government a bad name, so they’ll protect it,” he remarked, accusing governing-party MPs of prioritising the administration’s image over public interest.
Consequently, the Member of Parliament for Suame called for the summoning of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources to explain the legal basis for any attempt to regularise mining operations that have been unlawful. He further urged Parliament to intensify oversight of institutions responsible for enforcing mining and environmental regulations.
Ghana Must Not Surrender Galamsey Fight
While debate continues over the government’s approach to illegal mining, the Member of Parliament for Suame, Honourable John Darko insisted that Ghana must not abandon the fight against galamsey, calling for sustained enforcement to reclaim the country’s forests and rivers.
The Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Environment, Science and Technology Committee also defended the military’s involvement in anti-galamsey operations, urging Ghanaians to support personnel who risk their lives to protect the environment.
“I take my hat out to the military. They are doing a good job and they need the support of every Ghanaian. My respect, utmost respect to the men and women in uniform.”
Honourable John Darko
Honourable Darko expressed concern over the attacks directed at military personnel involved in the operations, recalling that the same security forces have undertaken enforcement duties under previous governments, including Operation Vanguard and Galamstop. He commended their commitment and wished them safety as they carry out their assignments.
The Suame MP rejected the proposition that illegal mining has become an unwinnable battle, insisting that the country must remain committed to restoring degraded forests and polluted water bodies. He referenced illegal mining activities in parts of the Ashanti Region, particularly the Manso area, where he claimed operators are using cyanide to extract gold, posing further risks to the environment.
He also challenged the notion that illegal mining could be regularised after operations have commenced without the requisite authorisation. In his assessment, the processes governing the issuance of mining permits are essential safeguards, and operators who work outside those requirements cannot subsequently legitimise their activities at will. Honourable Darko explained that small-scale mining permits are issued for five years and that continuing operations after their expiry constitutes illegal mining.
Similarly, mining beyond the authorised period or without a valid Environmental Protection Agency permit violates the applicable requirements. “The government must lead. Government must show the way,” he asserted, calling for consistency between official pronouncements and enforcement measures.
The MP further cautioned that even operators holding mining licences could engage in environmentally destructive practices, making regulatory supervision indispensable. He therefore questioned the assumption that formalisation alone would guarantee responsible mining.
In addition, Honourable Darko urged Parliament to strengthen its oversight of the Environmental Protection Agency, Minerals Commission and other institutions tasked with protecting natural resources. He acknowledged that parliamentary scrutiny had not produced the desired results and called for more pressure on the government.
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