The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has called on miners to support ongoing small-scale mining reforms, saying formalisation is crucial if Ghana is to maximise the full value of its gold resources.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Mr. Gyamfi said the meeting was intended to review the past year, identify persistent bottlenecks and build a stronger future for the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
“We are here to take stock of last year, check the challenges and improve so we can maximise the benefits of the ASM sector,” he told members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners and the National Concerned Small-Scale Miners Association.
Gold Output Surges Under New Reforms
Mr. Gyamfi acknowledged the central role of small-scale miners in Ghana’s gold production, revealing that the sector produced 63 tonnes of gold in 2024 and rose sharply to 104 tonnes in 2025.
He said the figures confirm the long-held view that small-scale miners have consistently contributed more gold than large-scale operators, but the true gains were previously obscured by widespread smuggling.
“I believe small scale miners had always given Ghana more gold than large scale but because of smuggling, we didn’t see the results.
“But for the introduction of GoldBod, things are now formalized and now we see the results.” - GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
According to him, reforms in the sector have had a direct economic impact, noting that while Ghana secured a $3 billion IMF support programme, gold exports generated $10.8 billion within a year.
“When we came, gold was purchased by foreigners and smuggled out. We dig gold, export but we don’t get the foreign exchange.” - GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
Despite the gains, the GoldBod CEO warned that illegal mining and unregulated trading continue to undermine national development and threaten environmental and public health outcomes.
“GoldBod doesn’t want gold that is illegally mined. Anyone who mine gold illegally is an enemy of the state,” he cautioned.
He announced that in 2026, GoldBod will deepen collaboration with the Minerals Commission and security agencies to clamp down on illegal activities.
He also disclosed plans to support small-scale mining associations with resources to strengthen the anti-illegal mining effort.
District Buying Centres to Curb Smuggling
A major part of the reform agenda will be the rollout of GoldBod District Gold Buying Centres across mining communities. Mr. Gyamfi said the centres are designed to tackle underpricing, hoarding and smuggling by bringing licensed purchasing closer to miners.
“Make sure your gold buyer has a GoldBod license,” he urged, warning that unlicensed buyers, including some from neighbouring countries, remain active in the trade.
Under the new system, both miners and licensed buyers who trade through designated centres will receive transportation and risk allowances, while monitoring will be intensified to prevent under-declaration and illicit exports.
“If you are a miner and you want your gold to benefit Ghana, bring the gold to the district gold market. We will have buying centers close to you.” - GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi
Mr. Gyamfi maintained that stronger flows through formal channels will allow GoldBod to reinvest in the sector through equipment support and productivity-enhancing interventions, as the agency works to build trust and responsible mining practices across the country.
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