GoldBod Reaffirms Support for Small-Scale Mining
The Ghana Gold Board has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the small-scale mining sector, announcing plans to allocate up to 30 percent of its surplus toward supporting miners with financing, equipment, and technical assistance.
Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi made the disclosure during a stakeholder engagement with the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association of Ghana, where discussions focused on addressing persistent bottlenecks within the gold production value chain.
As part of the proposed support framework, Mr Gyamfi called on industry associations to submit a comprehensive working plan that will guide the structured rollout of interventions across the sector. The approach, he noted, is aimed at ensuring that assistance is targeted, coordinated, and aligned with the needs of miners on the ground.
A major concern raised during the engagement was the issue of “purity losses,” which continues to undermine both output quality and revenue generation. According to Mr Gyamfi, inefficiencies in gold processing and handling are reducing the value realised from production, with implications for both miners and the Board’s financial performance.
He emphasised that addressing these losses will require stronger collaboration between GoldBod and small-scale operators, particularly in adopting improved processing techniques and quality assurance standards.
Beyond financial support, the Board is also advancing plans to provide modern equipment and technical training to enhance productivity and operational efficiency. These interventions are expected to help transition the sector from largely informal practices to more structured and commercially viable operations.
At the same time, GoldBod signalled a tougher stance on illegal mining activities, which continue to pose environmental and economic risks. As part of enforcement measures, the Board is procuring patrol boats to support efforts to remove unauthorised miners from water bodies, reinforcing ongoing national efforts to combat illegal mining, commonly referred to as “galamsey.”
The dual strategy of support and enforcement reflects a broader policy direction aimed at formalising the small-scale mining sector while ensuring compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
GoldBod maintains that its long-term objective is to build a transparent, efficient, and responsible mining ecosystem that maximises value retention within the country. By improving productivity, reducing losses, and strengthening oversight, the Board believes the sector can play a more significant role in Ghana’s economic development.
The renewed commitment comes at a time when small-scale mining remains a critical contributor to gold output and rural livelihoods, underscoring the importance of balancing growth with sustainability and accountability.
