The Ghana Gold Board has donated GHC 5 million and five Toyota Hilux pickups to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) to strengthen the country’s efforts in combating illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
At a brief ceremony at the Gold Board’s head office in Accra on Monday, September 15, CEO Sammy Gyamfi, Esq. stressed that the Board is committed not only to sourcing gold but ensuring that it is done responsibly and sustainably.
“The Ghana Gold Board wants gold, but it must be mined and sourced responsibly to create better value,” Mr. Gyamfi stated, adding that the donation is part of wider initiatives to enhance traceability in gold sourcing in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Receiving the donation, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, commended the Gold Board for demonstrating leadership in the national fight against illegal mining.
He said the support will boost coordinated enforcement and aid in reclaiming thousands of hectares of forest reserves destroyed by galamsey.
The Minister revealed that over 5,500 hectares of forest land have been devastated in the last eight years and emphasized that reclamation is a priority. He also highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen cooperation with security agencies, local governments, and traditional authorities.
Buah further assured that measures are being put in place to ensure traceability of all gold mined in Ghana, adding that the fight against illegal mining will only succeed if done collectively.
Beyond enforcement, the Gold Board also announced plans to roll out community-focused projects beginning October 2025. These will include potable water systems, education and health facilities, and scholarships for needy students in mining communities, marking a broader commitment to corporate social responsibility.
