The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has begun stakeholder consultations on its proposed Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme (FFSP), a major initiative scheduled for implementation in 2027.
The engagement, led by GoldBod’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nunekpeku, Esq., brought together key players in the small-scale mining and gold trading sectors to discuss the framework and objectives of the proposed programme.
Participants included representatives of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM), Concerned Small-Scale Miners, Hard Rock and Underground Miners, the Ghana National Association of Gold Traders, and the Chamber of Gold Buyers.
The FFSP is designed to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining operations while providing miners with access to financing through a structured and regulated framework aimed at promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Addressing stakeholders during the consultation, Mr. Nunekpeku stressed the importance of incorporating industry feedback into the programme’s design before it is submitted for Cabinet approval and parliamentary consideration.
He noted that broad stakeholder participation is critical to ensuring that the programme addresses the practical realities and challenges facing operators within the ASM sector.
Director of Responsible Mining at GoldBod, Professor Ishmael Quaicoo, presented the policy framework underpinning the initiative and outlined its key components, including measures intended to strengthen formalisation, improve access to financial support and promote responsible mining practices.
The consultations form part of GoldBod’s efforts to build consensus around the policy and ensure that all affected groups contribute to the development of a programme that supports growth and compliance within the small-scale mining industry.
GoldBod indicated that further engagements will be held with key regulatory and sector institutions, including the Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), the Water Resources Commission and other relevant stakeholders.
The proposed programme is expected to enhance the contribution of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector to the national economy while promoting environmental stewardship and improved access to capital for operators.