The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has begun engaging industry stakeholders on a proposed programme to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining and provide financial support to eligible operators ahead of its planned launch in 2027.
The initiative, known as the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme, is expected to bring eligible informal miners into a regulated system while improving their access to financing and strengthening oversight of their activities.
GoldBod said the consultations involve relevant government agencies, small-scale miners’ associations, civil society organisations and other industry stakeholders. The engagements are intended to gather input to ensure the programme reflects industry needs and can be implemented sustainably.
The Board is developing the programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and the Mineral Income Investment Fund (MIIF), with technical support from South Africa’s Rand Refinery.
According to GoldBod, the initiative is expected to increase gold production and mineral revenues, create jobs, reduce operational costs and limit environmental degradation associated with mining activities.
The programme also forms part of efforts to tackle illegal mining by ensuring that eligible operators are licensed, monitored and held accountable for their environmental and operational practices.
GoldBod has stressed that the objective is not to legitimise galamsey, but to help eligible informal miners transition into lawful operations and comply with the country’s mining regulations.
In a statement issued by its Media Relations Unit, the Board said it had “commenced stakeholder engagements with key industry stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, small-scale miners’ associations, civil society organizations, among others, on the proposed ASM FFSP”.
The consultations come amid public debate over comments by GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi on the formalisation of unlicensed small-scale miners. GoldBod has rejected allegations that he endorsed illegal mining, arguing that a video of his remarks was selectively edited and omitted important context.