The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has called for the immediate resignation or dismissal of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, over comments attributed to him suggesting that small-scale miners could operate without a licence or requisite permits under certain conditions.
In a statement signed by the Member of Parliament for Mampong and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the NPP described the reported comments as reckless and contrary to Ghana’s mining laws.
The statement follows the circulation of a video in which Mr Gyamfi is reportedly heard addressing a group of people about the government’s position on small-scale mining. According to the NPP, his remarks suggest that galamsey operators could mine without the necessary licences and permits, provided their operations were not located in forest reserves, waterbodies or along roadsides.
The party questioned whether the remarks implied that miners could operate anywhere outside the specified areas, including locations near schools, churches, mosques, marketplaces, hospitals and key public institutions, without obtaining the legally required authorisations.
It also accused the GoldBod CEO of potentially undermining accountability and the work of state agencies mandated to regulate mining activities.
NPP cites mining law
Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong argued that the comments were inconsistent with the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), which establishes the legal framework governing mining activities in Ghana.
Citing Section 9(1) of the Act, the statement said individuals must obtain the appropriate mineral rights before undertaking activities such as prospecting, exploration or mining.
It also referenced Section 82(1), which requires a licence for small-scale mining operations.
The NPP acknowledged that the Minister responsible for Mines has the authority to designate areas for small-scale mining in the public interest but maintained that such powers must be exercised in accordance with the law, including the provisions of Section 89.
The party contended that the absence of mining in forest reserves or near waterbodies does not, in itself, exempt operators from the requirement to obtain the necessary licences and permits.
Party accuses government of failing to tackle galamsey
The NPP further accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of failing to deliver on its promises to tackle illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
According to the statement, the reported comments by Mr Gyamfi contrast with the NDC’s campaign promises ahead of the 2024 general elections and President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to intensify the fight against illegal mining.
The party argued that the remarks raised questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the environmental destruction associated with galamsey.
However, the statement did not provide a direct response from Mr Gyamfi to the allegations.
NPP demands apology, sanctions and GoldBod audit
The opposition party has outlined seven demands in response to the controversy.
First, it wants Mr Gyamfi to offer an unqualified apology to Ghanaians for the alleged remarks.
Second, it is calling on the government to condemn and sanction him over his conduct.
Third, the party wants the GoldBod CEO to resign immediately, warning that he should be dismissed if he fails to do so.
The NPP is also demanding a comprehensive audit of GoldBod’s documentation to establish the traceability of all gold purchases from the mine to the market and to verify the board’s responsible sourcing practices.
In addition, it has called on President Mahama and his government to present a clear roadmap for ending galamsey, as well as declare a state of emergency in areas identified as major illegal mining hotspots.
The party’s final demand is for the formal establishment and operation of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to be backed by a Legislative Instrument (L.I.).
Call for public condemnation
Mr Ampratwum-Sarpong urged civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, political parties, religious leaders, traditional authorities, media organisations, organised labour, youth groups, professional bodies and development partners to condemn the reported comments and demand accountability from the government.
He also called on the Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Media Coalition Against Galamsey and other concerned stakeholders to join the campaign for stronger action against illegal mining.
The controversy comes amid continuing national concerns about the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining, particularly its impact on waterbodies, forests and livelihoods.
The central issue raised by the NPP is whether the reported remarks accurately reflect government policy and the legal requirements for small-scale mining in Ghana.
A response from Mr Gyamfi or the government would be necessary to clarify the context of the comments and the administration’s position on licensing and permitting requirements for small-scale miners.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
