The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for initiating the GoldBod initiative, claiming it is a vehicle to promote illegal mining activities, commonly known as Galamsey
GoldBod, officially established as the sole exporter of gold from Ghana’s small-scale mining sector, effectively excludes licensed traders and bullion dealers from direct gold exports. The Minority contends that this move centralizes gold trade under government control, potentially fostering illegal mining rather than curbing it.
Speaking to the media, Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin accused the Mahama-led administration of using small-scale mining as a front to legitimize Galamsey operations.
“They are using their numbers to establish what is now known as the Galamsey Board. Instead of investing in agriculture and the 24-hour economy, it is rather giving GHS 4.6 billion to Galamsey operators,” he stated.
He further alleged that the initiative is an attempt by the NDC to reward party loyalists rather than genuinely reform the mining sector.
Earlier this week, former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu expressed support for the GoldBod initiative, describing it as a potential game-changer if properly implemented.
