Sammy Gyamfi, Kofi Bentil clash over galamsey gold claim

A heated exchange unfolded on TV3’s The KeyPoints programme on Saturday, October 11, 2025, as Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, clashed over claims that 85% of GoldBod’s gold purchases originate from illegal mining operations, popularly known as galamsey.

Kofi Bentil, contributing to discussions on the ongoing fight against the environmental menace, alleged that the majority of small-scale gold mined in Ghana is illegal, citing published research as his source.

“We continue to buy gold from illegal miners who constitute 85% of small-scale miners, and yet we claim we are fighting galamsey,” he stated.

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The policy analyst expressed deep frustration with the government’s efforts, arguing that more is being done to mobilise gold resources than to curb the destruction of water bodies and farmlands.

He recounted his decision to decline an invitation to a presidential meeting with civil society organisations, opting instead to share his recommendations on Facebook including the immediate dismissal of Municipal, Metropolitan and District Chief Executives in areas plagued by galamsey.

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“If I don’t see DCEs being sacked, I will not believe President Mahama is serious about fighting galamsey,” he stressed.

His claim, however, drew an immediate rebuttal from Sammy Gyamfi, who called into the programme to set the record straight.

The GoldBod CEO categorically denied the 85% claim, insisting that his organisation adheres strictly to legal standards.

“GoldBod doesn’t buy gold from illegal miners. We only deal with licensed small-scale miners. GoldBod does not buy gold directly from small-scale miners,” Sammy Gyamfi asserted.

The CEO however acknowledged a potential vulnerability in the supply chain, noting that GoldBod procures gold through licensed agents.

“I cannot say if any of these agents buy from illegal sources,” he stated.

Despite his concession, Sammy Gyamfi outlined some proactive measures being implemented to deal with the challenge.

He assured listeners that GoldBod is implementing a comprehensive traceability scheme to verify the legitimacy of all gold sources, ensuring only responsibly sourced precious metals enter their operations.

On his part, the Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, contributing to the conversation, emphasised that the government has no policy that aims to capitalise on illegal mining

“There is no government policy to purchase gold from illegal miners. If for nothing at all, the international community is very interested in the source of our gold,” he declared.

GA/MA

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