Ghana mining centre rejects calls for Sammy Gyamfi to resign

The Centre for Mining Research and Policy has rejected calls by Ghana’s opposition for Sammy Gyamfi, chief executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), to resign over his remarks on formalising artisanal mining. The centre says Mr Gyamfi was advocating the integration of eligible operators into the regulatory system, not the continuation of illegal mining, according to MyJoyOnline.

The centre’s senior researcher, Ofori Kodua, says miners must obtain the necessary documents, permits, certifications and training to operate legally. He adds that Sammy Gyamfi has condemned activities that destroy water resources, encroach on forest reserves or endanger communities. The Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners, which co-organised the meeting where the remarks were made, also says the clip that circulated gave a misleading impression of a discussion about registering eligible operators.

According to GoldBod figures, the organisation aggregated and exported 85.4 tonnes of artisanal gold worth $11.6 billion between January and 20 October 2026. The centre also cites GoldBod’s support for operations against illegal mining, as well as funding for the restoration of 50 hectares in the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. GoldBod is also acquiring a traceability system to verify the legal origin of gold in the supply chain.

The centre is urging the opposition to assess the implementation and results of the reforms rather than call for the chief executive’s resignation. It acknowledges that the initiatives must be effectively implemented and monitored, while advocating sanctions against destructive mining activities. The debate comes as Ghana may revise the law establishing its gold board.