Minority accuses government of fueling galamsey through GoldBod

The Minority in Parliament has launched a scathing attack on the government’s handling of illegal mining, alleging that the creation of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has worsened the scourge of galamsey rather than curbed it.

At a press conference on Monday, January 26, 2026, Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin argued that the government has failed to demonstrate a clear policy direction in tackling illegal mining. He warned that GoldBod’s dual role as both regulator and operator undermines efforts to distinguish legally mined gold from illicitly sourced minerals.

“The issue of Gold-for-Reserves. We, the Minority are not opposed to that policy because the policy was started by us. However, the establishment of the GoldBod as a regulator and also an operator is in a way directly encouraging galamsey activities,” Afenyo-Markin said.

He pointed to the worsening pollution of Ghana’s rivers and water bodies as evidence of the government’s lack of commitment. “Our water bodies are being polluted. In fact, Organised Labour sounded the alarm and indicated that the galamsey activities have worsened. This government has failed to provide evidence of its commitment to the fight against galamsey. It is clear that they are involved in a P.R gimmick, looking at the optics rather than the substance,” he added.

The Minority Leader further questioned whether GoldBod has any mechanism to separate legitimate gold from that produced through illegal mining. “Today, we do not know whether GoldBod makes a distinction between regularly mined gold and illicit gold. All we know is that they are talking about their success story and the tons of gold they have purchased,” he noted.

He cautioned that the country’s future could be jeopardised if decisive steps are not taken. “We are concerned because the future of this country is at stake, and the earlier this government takes steps to protect the future of Ghana, the better,” Afenyo-Markin warned.

The Minority’s criticism adds to growing pressure on the government, which has faced repeated accusations of prioritising public relations over substantive action in the fight against galamsey. With organised labour and civil society groups also raising alarms, the debate over GoldBod’s role is likely to intensify as illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana’s environment and long-term sustainability.