The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has held discussions with key small-scale mining associations to address challenges within the gold production value chain and reaffirm its commitment to supporting the sector.
The meeting brought together leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana to deliberate on issues affecting gold production and trade.
Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, highlighted concerns about purity losses in the gold value chain, noting that the situation continues to have adverse financial implications for the Board.
He described the issue as one of the major challenges confronting the sector and called for closer collaboration between GoldBod and small-scale miners to address it.
Mr. Gyamfi reiterated the Board’s commitment to the development of small-scale mining, pointing out that up to 30 percent of GoldBod’s surplus is earmarked to support the sector.
He urged the associations to submit a comprehensive working plan to facilitate the structured rollout of support programmes.
He explained that the support package would go beyond financial assistance to include the provision of equipment and technical expertise aimed at improving efficiency and productivity among small-scale miners.
The CEO also disclosed that GoldBod is advancing plans to help tackle illegal mining activities. As part of the initiative, the Board is in the process of acquiring patrol boats to assist in removing illegal miners operating on water bodies.
GoldBod, he said, remains focused on formalising the small-scale mining sector, improving transparency, maximising gold output, and promoting responsible mining practices nationwide.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
