The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has intensified its criticism of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) following a recent allegation that the board is facilitating the proliferation of illegally mined gold into the country’s formal gold trading system. The accusation comes amidst growing concerns about the effectiveness of GoldBod’s verification processes, which the NPP alleges are contributing to the persistent problem of galamsey, or ‘illegal mining.’
According to the NPP, the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, has voiced serious concerns about GoldBod’s inability to trace the origin of gold purchased through licensed buyers. He alleges that the board’s weaknesses in its purchasing and verification procedures have created a significant vulnerability, allowing illegal mining to thrive.
“GoldBod, I can tell you now, is the cause of the environmental destruction we are seeing,” Mr. Boakye stated. He questioned the mechanisms employed by GoldBod to verify the origins of gold purchased through its licensed buyers. Specifically, he argued that without a robust traceability system, gold produced through illegal mining could easily be introduced into the formal trading chain.
Mr. Boakye further challenged GoldBod’s assurances regarding measures taken to address concerns about gold traceability. He demanded greater clarity on how the state-owned gold-buying institution establishes the source of the gold it purchases. The NPP contends that the lack of transparency in this process poses a serious risk.
The NPP is calling for greater transparency in GoldBod’s gold purchasing operations and demands stronger mechanisms to ensure that gold produced through illegal mining does not enter the formal trading system. The party is pushing for independent audits and verification to address these concerns, highlighting that the current system is failing to effectively combat galamsey.
This accusation follows similar criticisms raised by players within the mining sector, including the Ghana Chamber of Mines and some Members of Parliament. The NPP National Organiser has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into GoldBod’s practices, stating that the current situation represents a significant challenge to the integrity of the gold industry.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has yet to issue a formal statement acknowledging the allegations.
In a related development, the National Security Council has been alerted to the situation, signaling a heightened level of concern about the potential implications of the alleged galamsey activity. The issue is expected to be a key focus of discussions within the government’s economic planning committee.
This situation has significant implications for the country’s gold reserves and the long-term sustainability of the mining industry. The NPP is advocating for swift action to address these concerns and protect the integrity of the gold market.
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Source: Adom Online
