The Ghana Gold Board has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable mining and environmental protection with a major donation to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in support of the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.
At a brief ceremony in Accra, the Board presented a cheque for GHS 5 million and five brand-new 2025 Toyota Hilux pickups to the Ministry, under whose auspices the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAMOS) operates.
Speaking at the event, officials of the Gold Board underscored Ghana’s rich endowment of natural resources, particularly gold, and stressed the need to harness these resources responsibly for national development. They noted that while gold remains a vital source of foreign exchange and economic stability, its extraction must not come at the expense of the environment.
The Board praised the Ministry’s efforts, led by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, in tackling illegal mining through NAMOS, which works in collaboration with the police, military, and other security agencies.
“Yes, we want gold, but we want gold that is mined responsibly and sourced responsibly,” the Board stated. “When gold is mined sustainably, the nation gains better value, our reputation is enhanced, and our environment and lives are protected.”
The donation, described as a “first step” in a broader support plan, will also complement the Ministry’s cooperative mining scheme, which seeks to formalize small-scale mining by licensing, training, and regulating miners to operate within sustainable practices.
The Gold Board pledged continued backing for initiatives aimed at eradicating illegal mining and promoting responsible resource management, adding that all state agencies and citizens must join forces to protect Ghana’s water bodies, forest reserves, and future generations.
Leave a Reply