The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has firmly rejected allegations that the state gold purchasing company sources gold from illegal small-scale miners, known locally as galamseyers.
Mr. Gyamfi dismissed claims made by private legal practitioner and Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil, who had alleged that “85% of gold purchases by the Ghana Gold Board come from illegal miners.”
In a direct response, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi refuted the claims, insisting that his organisation operates under strict regulatory oversight and purchases gold only from approved sources.
“The GoldBod doesn’t buy gold from illegal miners. We only deal with licensed small-scale miners.
“GoldBod does not buy gold directly from small-scale miners. We work through licensed agents who are registered under the appropriate legal framework.”
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
Mr. Gyamfi acknowledged, however, that there could be loopholes in the current system, as GoldBod relies on middlemen for procurement.
“Because we buy through licensed agents, I cannot categorically say if any of these agents buy from illegal sources.”
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
Kofi Bentil’s Claim
Mr. Bentil, citing published research as his basis, argued that the government’s approach to the fight against illegal mining lacked credibility because it continued to tolerate gold sourced through illicit means.
“We continue to buy gold from illegal miners who constitute 85% of small-scale miners, and yet we claim we are fighting galamsey,” Mr. Bentil asserted.
“Until we see decisive action such as dismissing District Chief Executives (DCEs) whose areas are affected by galamsey, it will be difficult to believe that President Mahama’s administration is serious about ending this menace.”
Vice President of Imani Africa, Kofi Bentil
His comments reignited public debate over the integrity of Ghana’s gold supply chain, particularly as the government intensifies its anti-galamsey operations and efforts to promote responsible mining practices.
GoldBod Assures Traceability Reforms
Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that GoldBod is in the process of implementing a comprehensive traceability system that will ensure every ounce of gold purchased can be traced to its legitimate origin.
“We are finalising a gold traceability scheme that will guarantee transparency from source to sale,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
“Once this is operational, there will be no question about where our gold comes from.
“We are committed to ensuring that only gold from legitimate, licensed operations enters our system.”
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
Calls for Greater OversightDespite GoldBod’s assurances, critics like Kofi Bentil maintain that more transparency and enforcement are required to dismantle illegal mining networks.
He argued that weak oversight and the blending of illegal and legal gold on the market make it difficult to track sources, thereby fuelling environmental destruction and loss of state revenue.
“Until we reform the system and hold local officials accountable, galamsey will continue to thrive under the guise of small-scale mining.”
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
The issue comes at a time when the government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining through security operations and policy interventions.
Path Forward: Reform on Ethical Trading
Industry analysts believe GoldBod’s planned traceability framework could mark a significant step toward curbing illegal mining if properly implemented.
The system is expected to involve digital monitoring, certification, and collaboration with the Ghana Gold Board to verify gold origins.
Mr. Gyamfi stressed that the company’s focus is not just on compliance, but on setting a standard for ethical gold trading.
“We are determined to build a transparent and sustainable gold value chain that supports licensed miners, protects the environment, and benefits the national economy.”
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
As Ghana strengthens its gold governance regime, the debate underscores the delicate balance between promoting small-scale mining as a driver of local livelihoods and preventing the environmental and economic costs of galamsey.
For now, the GoldBod insists its operations remain within the law and that reforms are underway to ensure Ghana’s gold remains both profitable and principled.
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