By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has engaged leadership of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana to deliberate on key issues affecting gold production in the country. The meeting focused on challenges within the gold value chain and explored ways to improve efficiency and output.
Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, raised concerns about purity losses within the gold value chain and their impact on the Board’s finances, noting that these losses remain a major challenge confronting the gold trade.
“During the meeting, the CEO highlighted concerns regarding purity losses within the gold value chain and the consequential impact on the Board’s finances,” the statement said.
Mr. Gyamfi called for stronger collaboration between GoldBod and small-scale miners to address the issue, stressing the need for a coordinated approach to reduce inefficiencies. He explained that partnership between the Board and miners is critical to safeguarding the value of gold produced.
He reaffirmed GoldBod’s commitment to supporting the small-scale mining sector in line with its mandate, which allocates up to 30 percent of its surplus to assist miners. He also invited the associations to submit a comprehensive working plan to guide the implementation of structured support initiatives.
“He called for stronger collaboration between GoldBod and small-scale miners to address these losses, describing it as one of the major challenges confronting the gold trade,” the statement added.
The CEO further disclosed that beyond funding, equipment and technical assistance, the Board is taking steps to help tackle illegal mining activities. He revealed that plans are underway to procure patrol boats to remove illegal operators from water bodies.
GoldBod reiterated its commitment to formalising and strengthening the small-scale mining sector, with a focus on improving transparency, increasing gold output and promoting responsible mining practices across the country.
“As part of these efforts, GoldBod is in the process of procuring patrol boats to help remove illegal operators from water bodies,” the statement said.
