Economy

    GoldBod budgets for 10 speedboats to fight illegal mining

    Ghana Gold Board commits GHS 5 million and vehicles to anti-galamsey operations, plans forest reclamation.

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    GoldBod budgets for 10 speedboats to fight illegal mining
    The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has budgeted for 10 speedboats to support the National Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS) in its operations against illegal mining. Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, confirmed this development. The speedboats are currently being manufactured and will be deployed to protect Ghana’s vital water bodies from the destructive practice known locally as galamsey. This allocation is part of GoldBod’s broader commitment to combating illegal mining. The Board has already provided GHS 5 million and five pickup vehicles to NAIMOS. This significant financial and logistical support aims to strengthen NAIMOS’s enforcement capabilities. Illegal mining poses a severe threat to Ghana’s environment, particularly its water resources and forest ecosystems. The fight against galamsey is a critical component of Ghana’s economic and environmental policy. The widespread destruction caused by illegal mining impacts agricultural productivity, public health, and the long-term sustainability of natural resources. The government has intensified efforts to curb these activities, recognizing their detrimental effects on the nation’s development trajectory. GoldBod’s involvement underscores a multi-faceted approach to this persistent challenge. Mr. Gyamfi stated that the support is essential because illegal mining continues to threaten Ghana’s water bodies and the environment. He also announced GoldBod’s intention to support the reclamation of three forest reserves devastated by illegal mining in 2027. This initiative follows ongoing reclamation efforts, with the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve already receiving attention. The Apaprama forest reserve is also expected to benefit from these restoration projects. GoldBod’s intervention is part of its broader strategy to address the environmental impact of illegal mining. The Board also aims to promote the formalization of responsible small-scale mining. Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that solving environmental concerns and meeting economic needs are not mutually exclusive goals. He believes these objectives can be achieved simultaneously through concerted efforts. Mr. Gyamfi appealed to Ghanaians for patience, acknowledging that the illegal mining crisis cannot be resolved instantly. He stressed that a combination of enforcement, reclamation, formalization, and traceability measures will be necessary. These combined strategies are crucial for protecting Ghana’s environment while ensuring the country continues to benefit from its gold resources. This long-term approach reflects the complexity of the issue and the need for sustained intervention.

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