NPP Accuses GoldBod of Fueling Galamsey Crisis

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has accused the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) of contributing to the worsening illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, crisis, alleging that the gold purchasing system has failed to adequately distinguish legally produced gold from gold extracted through illegal mining.

The NPP National Organiser made the allegation during a press engagement on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, arguing that GoldBod’s expanded role in the gold trade has created serious concerns about the source of gold entering the formal trading system.

He claimed that GoldBod currently has extensive powers as a major player in gold purchasing, selling and exporting, yet the country continues to face severe environmental destruction associated with illegal mining.

According to him, GoldBod cannot adequately demonstrate the difference between gold obtained from licensed sources and gold produced by illegal miners who destroy forests, farmlands and water bodies.

He cited comments attributed to GoldBod’s leadership suggesting that some licensed buyers could be involved in activities associated with illegal mining.

The NPP organiser said questions raised by industry stakeholders, including voices from the Chamber of Mines and members of the NPP Parliamentary Minority, had not received satisfactory answers.

He asked why, if GoldBod is not purchasing gold linked to illegal mining, the illegal gold trade remains so widespread.

He also criticised the government for highlighting Ghana’s position as the sixth-largest gold producer globally without adequately addressing the environmental cost of the country’s gold production.

He claimed that more than 60 per cent of Ghana’s water bodies have been polluted by illegal mining and warned that some rivers have become so heavily contaminated that water treatment plants have had to suspend operations.

He further cited projections that the cost of treating polluted water bodies could exceed GH¢17 billion by 2030.

The NPP official also linked galamsey to deaths and public health concerns, saying the country is paying a heavy price through contaminated food, polluted water and environmental degradation.

He accused the governing NDC of abandoning its previous opposition-era posture on illegal mining and said the galamsey situation had become worse under the current administration.

According to him, Ghana cannot celebrate increased gold production while ignoring the destruction of the natural resources that support communities and the national economy.

He therefore called for stronger accountability and greater traceability throughout the gold supply chain to ensure that illegally mined gold does not enter the formal market.