Ghana’s persistent and escalating illegal mining crisis, commonly known as galamsey, has long been a contentious issue, with Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, highlighting a critical failure in state support for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) for decades. Gyamfi attributes this crisis partly to a legacy of inadequate formalisation and a failure to provide sustained, strategic support to the sector, a situation exacerbated by successive governments’ lack of investment in sustainable development and traceability mechanisms.
Speaking during a Space conversation on X on August 9, 2026, Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that while Ghana initially implemented formalisation and legalisation programs in 1989, governmental initiatives failed to adequately address the sector’s long-term sustainability. He underscored that significant shortcomings existed regarding training, capacity building, equipment, monitoring, and environmental reclamation, all contributing to the persistent challenges faced by ASM operations.
Mr. Gyamfi further pointed to the limited involvement of the state in Ghana’s domestic gold-buying sector, which he contends is largely controlled by private buyers. He questioned the effectiveness of previous state-backed gold purchasing programs, asserting that they were primarily utilized for purposes beyond the intended objective of supporting legally operating mines, such as gold for oil reserves, reserves, and foreign exchange.
He expressed deep concern over the lack of traceability under the 2021 Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, stating that there was a significant absence of mechanisms to ensure that gold purchased through such programs originated from legally operating mines, thereby facilitating the identification of illicit gold sources. The absence of a comprehensive gold traceability system significantly complicates efforts to determine the provenance of gold, raising serious concerns about its legitimacy and environmental impact.
According to a 2023 report by the Ghana Statistical Service, the ASM sector contributes approximately 70% of Ghana’s gold production, yet remains largely unregulated and vulnerable to environmental degradation. This situation directly impacts the livelihoods of millions of Ghanaians and poses a significant threat to Ghana’s natural resources. The government’s failure to adequately address these issues has amplified the problem, creating a cycle of unsustainable practices and environmental damage. The lack of resources and proper monitoring mechanisms have allowed the illegal mining activity to persist for decades, highlighting a critical failure in governance and resource management.
Furthermore, the limited involvement of the state in gold buying has resulted in a significant amount of gold being purchased from ASM operations, with little to no traceability. This contributes to the illegal trade and undermines efforts to combat illicit gold production.
The situation is further complicated by the reliance on private buyers for gold procurement, which creates opportunities for corruption and illicit financial flows. Without robust traceability systems, it’s difficult to effectively regulate and control the ASM sector, perpetuating the cycle of illegal mining and environmental harm. Mr. Gyamfi strongly advocated for a fundamental shift in governmental policy towards prioritizing sustainable ASM development and establishing robust traceability mechanisms, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address this crisis.
“The state’s neglect has created a situation where the illegal mining sector continues to thrive, threatening Ghana’s economic stability and environmental integrity,” Mr. Gyamfi stated. The current situation necessitates a bold and decisive response to safeguard the nation’s natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for the ASM sector.”
This protracted crisis underscores the need for comprehensive reform and increased investment in the sector, prioritizing environmental protection and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Data from the Ghana Gold Board indicates that the ASM sector has experienced a significant increase in illegal mining activities in recent years, directly impacting gold production and revenue.
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Source: Adom Online
