GoldBod: Artisanal Mining Formalisation Program Consultations Begin

• GoldBod clarified that CEO Sammy Gyamfi did not endorse illegal mining, stating a viral video was misleadingly edited.
• The Ghana Gold Board is developing its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) for a 2027 rollout.
• The FFSP aims to transition eligible informal miners into a regulated system, offering financing and technical support.
• GoldBod is also undertaking geological surveys with the GGSA and investing in environmental restoration and gold traceability initiatives.
• This program signals a significant regulatory shift for Ghana's artisanal mining sector, requiring close attention from legal advisors.

Lawyers must therefore be prepared to offer timely and comprehensive advice to ensure their clients can successfully navigate this transition into the formal system.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) recently addressed public confusion surrounding its Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, following the circulation of a viral video. GoldBod firmly refuted claims that Mr. Gyamfi had endorsed illegal mining activities, clarifying in a statement issued on Saturday, October 24, 2026, that the video was selectively edited and presented a misleading narrative. The original footage, captured in March 2026, depicted Mr. Gyamfi engaging with artisanal and small-scale miners, where he detailed the government's comprehensive policy aimed at integrating eligible informal operators into a regulated, environmentally compliant mining framework.

GoldBod emphasized that its policy objective is not to legitimize unlawful mining but rather to eradicate it by providing a structured pathway for qualified individuals to formalize their operations. This process involves licensing, stringent regulation, continuous monitoring, and holding operators accountable for their environmental and operational conduct. The Board underscored that offering a legal route for eligible informal miners to regularize their activities should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of illegal practices. Furthermore, at the 2026 Mining in Motion Summit, Mr. Gyamfi advocated for a balanced approach to Ghana mining regulations enforcement, stressing the importance of combining firm enforcement with formalization, capacity-building, and economic opportunities for miners.

In line with its commitment to formalization, GoldBod announced that consultations are underway for its ambitious Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP), slated for implementation in 2027. This significant initiative, central to the Ghana Gold Board ASM policy, is being developed through collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology, and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). Technical expertise for the program is also being provided by Rand Refinery SA.

The GoldBod artisanal mining formalisation program is designed with multiple strategic objectives. It aims to furnish eligible miners with crucial financing and technical assistance, thereby boosting mineral production and national revenues. Additionally, the program seeks to foster job creation, reduce operational costs for miners, and critically, address pervasive environmental degradation within the sector. GoldBod has initiated extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including government agencies, small-scale miners' associations, civil society organizations, and other relevant parties, to ensure the Artisanal Small-Scale Mining FFSP 2027 is inclusive, sustainable, and effectively responsive to the industry's evolving needs.

Beyond the FFSP, GoldBod is actively pursuing several other initiatives to promote responsible mining practices and enhance regulatory oversight. A key partnership has been forged with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority (GGSA) to conduct detailed geological investigations. These studies are planned for Funsi in the Upper West Region and Benesere in the Ashanti Region, with the primary goal of identifying new mineralized areas. This strategic exploration is intended to support the responsible expansion of mining activities and mitigate environmentally destructive practices often associated with speculative or 'lottery mining'.

Furthermore, GoldBod is a staunch supporter of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and is making substantial investments in environmental restoration and accountability measures. These efforts include promoting responsible gold sourcing and traceability, funding the reclamation of 50 hectares of degraded land within the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, and supporting the rehabilitation of water treatment plants adversely affected by illegal mining. To bolster accountability in gold sourcing, GoldBod is also in the process of procuring a sophisticated track-and-trace system. The Board unequivocally reiterated its opposition to any mining activities that cause damage to vital water bodies and precious forest reserves, underscoring its commitment to environmental protection.

The impending rollout of the GoldBod Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027 represents a pivotal shift for Ghana's mining landscape. For legal professionals advising clients within the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, this initiative demands close and proactive attention. The program will introduce a new paradigm of licensing, financing mechanisms, and stringent environmental compliance requirements that will fundamentally alter how operations are conducted.

Lawyers must therefore be prepared to offer timely and comprehensive advice to ensure their clients can successfully navigate this transition into the formal system. Proactive engagement with the evolving Ghana mining regulations enforcement framework will be critical to help clients avoid potential regulatory breaches and capitalize on the opportunities presented by formalization. The GoldBod artisanal mining formalisation program is not merely a policy adjustment but a structural transformation that will necessitate a thorough understanding of new legal and operational mandates for all stakeholders.

Lawyers advising clients in Ghana's artisanal and small-scale mining sector must closely track the development and rollout of GoldBod's Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP) in 2027. This initiative will introduce new licensing, financing, and environmental compliance requirements, necessitating proactive advice to ensure clients transition successfully into the formal system and avoid regulatory breaches.

Source: Original reporting via Emmanuel Tetteh for Carbonatix