Anti-Galamsey Fight Gets Major Boost from GoldBod With GH¢5million & 5 Pickups Donation

…GH¢5million & 5 Pickups Donated; Govt To Establish Permanent Military Camps In Forest Zones

The government’s ongoing campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, has received a significant boost following a GH¢5 million donation and five Toyota Hilux pickups from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

The donation ceremony, held yesterday Monday, September 15 at GoldBod’s head office in Accra, was led by the Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., who reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices across the country.

He noted that this donation is part of various initiatives by the GoldBod aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of mining communities and supporting sustainable mining practices.

“The Ghana Gold Board wants to buy more gold for purposes of foreign exchange generation for the country but the gold we buy, must be mined and sourced responsibly to create better value and in a manner, that doesn’t undermine the sanctity of our environment. Our collective survival as a people depends on the success of the fight against illegal mining and so we cannot afford to fail”, he said.

Mr. Gyamfi further indicated that the GoldBod is committed to supporting persons who desire to engage in legal and responsible mining but will support NAIMOS to deal ruthlessly with recalcitrant persons who are hellbent on engaging in illegal and irresponsible mining.

In addition to the cash and vehicles donated, Mr. Gyamfi announced upcoming initiatives that will ensure value-chain traceability in the gold trade sector and the formalization of the small-scale mining sector.

He also announced the decision by the GoldBod to support the reclamation of 1000 hectares of devastated forest reserves lands in the country, as well as the cooperative mining program launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Receiving the donation, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah expressed his profound gratitude to the GoldBod for the donation.

Described as a “game-changer,” the donation is expected to strengthen field operations, enhance mobility, and fund critical interventions within Ghana’s mining communities.

He indicated that the gesture will serve as a major boost to the fight against the “Galamsey” menace at this crucial time.

The Minister assured the media and the general public that government will not relent but sustain the fight against the “Galamsey” menace until all devastated forests are turned green and our polluted water bodies, turned blue.

He revealed over 5,500 hectares of forest land have already been degraded by illegal activities, adding that the government has invested heavily in reclamation efforts.

He reassured the public that the government is not against mining but is committed to ensuring every ounce of gold extracted in Ghana can be traced to a responsible and legal source.

“Together, we will turn our waters blue, our forests green, and ensure that Ghana benefits fully from its mineral wealth,” he added.

Military Camps In Forest Zones

In an interview, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that this measure forms part of the government’s strategy to prevent illegal miners from returning to reclaimed areas.

“As part of efforts going forward, all those areas that have been reclaimed — the soldiers and security forces won’t leave. They will set up permanent camps to ensure that people don’t come back,” he stated.

He added that all river areas in Ghana would also receive permanent security presence to protect them from further environmental degradation.

“At least the 44 forest reserves that were endangered, and all the river areas in Ghana, will have a permanent security presence. That would be rolled out in the coming days,” he confirmed.