LE BRIEF

Ghana: GoldBod backs regulated artisanal gold formalisation, not a blanket amnesty

LE BRIEF • 2026-10-26

Following the circulation of a video of its chief executive, the Ghana Gold Board clarifies its position: help eligible operators enter a lawful framework without removing mining and environmental obligations.

Original source : Original source

LE BRIEF — Monday, 26 October 2026 edition By the LE BRIEF newsroom Country : Ghana Source publication : 24 October 2026 Event : Clarification published on 24 October 2026 concerning earlier remarks. Ghana Gold Board institutional communication: photograph supplied for this edition. Formalisation is not absolution. That is the distinction emphasised by the Ghana Gold Board after a video circulated of its chief executive, Sammy Gyamfi, discussing artisanal gold mining. In its 24 October communication, the institution rejected the suggestion that illegal activities would be automatically legalised. GoldBod says the excerpt misrepresented the context of the remarks and reiterates the stated objective: identify and document eligible operators, then bring them into a regulated system. The clarification does not amount to the adoption of a new mining law. Authorisations and oversight, not a free pass Entry into the formal sector remains subject to the required licences, environmental requirements and oversight by the competent authorities. Eligibility for support should not be presented as a general authorisation to continue operating without the necessary approvals. The challenge is to distinguish support for operators who can enter the legal framework from the continuation of activities that breach regulations. Credibility will depend on transparent eligibility conditions and eff...