The Minority Caucus in Parliament has demanded the resignation or dismissal of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi over comments it says could undermine efforts to combat illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.

In a statement issued by Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Lands and Natural Resources Committee, the caucus accused Mr Gyamfi of suggesting that miners could operate without the required licences and permits if they avoided restricted areas such as forest reserves and water bodies.

The Minority has called for an unqualified apology from Mr Gyamfi, government sanctions and a clear roadmap from President John Dramani Mahama to tackle illegal mining. It has also demanded an audit of GoldBod’s records to strengthen transparency and traceability in gold purchases.

However, GoldBod has rejected the interpretation of Mr Gyamfi’s comments, describing the circulating video as selectively edited. The board maintains that he was explaining efforts to bring eligible informal miners into a regulated system where they can be licensed and monitored.

The controversy comes amid continuing national concerns about the environmental damage caused by galamsey and calls for stronger enforcement of Ghana’s mining laws.

Mr Gyamfi’s resignation has not been announced, and the Minority’s demands remain political calls rather than an official decision by the government.

Photo courtesy: Sammy Gyamfi