The Minority caucus in the Parliament of Ghana in a scathing rebuke, has leveled serious allegations against the state-owned Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), accusing the entity of engaging in illegal activities thereby violating its own legislative instrument (L.I), act 1140 and undermining the country’s efforts to combat the menace of illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey.”
According to Hon. Yaw Patrick Boamah, speaking on behalf of the Minority, disclosed that the board has failed to comply with the legal requirements governing act.
He noted that despite the entity’s recent establishment in April, there is little to no information available to keep the public posted, which according to him, defeats its purpose in terms of transparency and adherence to the law.
“If you go Gold Board’s website right now, you will not find anything as contained in the Gold Board act.”
Hon. Yaw Patrick Boamah
Gold Sourcing
The Minority’s primary concern is the source of the gold being purchased by the GoldBod.
As Hon. Boamah pointed out, the entity has been engaging in various activities, such as appointing brand ambassadors and delivering vehicles to institutions, but the origin of the gold it is handling remains anonymous and unclear.
“Where is the Gold Board getting all those gold from? Is it from responsible mining? Is it from small-scale miners? Or is it from Galamsey’s side?”
Hon. Yaw Patrick Boamah
The Ghana Gold Board, formerly known as the Precious Minerals Marketing Corporation (PMMC), has long been a key player in the country’s gold industry.
The Board’s mandate includes regulating and promoting the marketing of precious minerals, including gold, as well as fostering value addition and downstream processing.
However, the entity’s recent initiatives and operations have come under scrutiny by certain individuals and parties including the minority caucus in parliament as part of its core mandate to hold the ruling government accountable.
Anti-Galamsey Efforts
The Minority’s accusations come at a critical juncture when the government has been intensifying its crackdown on illegal mining activities, which have been a major contributor to environmental degradation and the depletion of Ghana’s natural resources.
By allegedly purchasing gold from unlawful sources, the Minority claims that the GoldBod is undermining these crucial efforts.
The caucus’ concerns are particularly troubling given the heightened international attention on Ghana’s efforts to address the galamsey problem.
“The World Bank, the European Union, and other institutions are talking about where Ghana is headed to, especially in the fight against Galamsey.”
Hon. Yaw Patrick Boamah
According to the Minority, this involvement of the GoldBod in the illicit gold trade could jeopardize Ghana’s standing and undermine its credibility in the global arena.
Traceability, Accountability and Transparency
The Minority’s accusations strike at the heart of the GoldBod’s mandate, which includes the responsibility of ensuring the traceability and responsible sourcing of gold.
As Hon. Boamah stated, “Especially also in the Gold Board’s own act, which talks about sourcing and traceability.”
The failure to uphold these principles raises serious concerns about the entity’s commitment to transparency and its role in the broader fight against illegal mining.
The Minority’s scathing critique of the GoldBod’s alleged illegal activities has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency within the entity.
As the nation struggles with the complex challenges of the mining industry as a result of the long-staggering galamsey, the Minority’s demands for the GoldBod to adhere to its legal obligations and demonstrate its commitment to responsible sourcing have become increasingly urgent.
The Minority’s scathing critique of the GoldBod’s alleged illegal activities has sparked calls for greater accountability and transparency within the entity.
As the nation grapples with the complex challenges of the mining sector, the Minority’s demands for the GoldBod to adhere to its legal obligations and demonstrate its commitment to responsible sourcing have become increasingly urgent.
Impact on Ghana’s Reputation
These accusations, if proven true, could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s reputation and its efforts to position itself as a leader in the responsible mining of gold.
The country’s ability to attract foreign investment and maintain its standing in the international community could be jeopardized if the GoldBod is found to be complicit in the illicit gold trade.
The Minority’s damning allegations against the GoldBod have cast a dark shadow over the entity’s operations and raised serious questions about its commitment to upholding the law and supporting the government’s anti-galamsey initiatives.
As the government battles with the complexities of the mining sector, the Minority’s demands for transparency and accountability as part of its mandates, have become increasingly crucial in ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s gold industry.
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