A Ghanaian policy think tank, Africa Policy Lens (APL), calls for an urgent amendment to Section 25 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). APL warns that the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) risks significant financial loss and institutional overlap by expanding beyond its core mandate.
This demand follows a GHS 36.35 million agreement signed on June 16, 2026, by GoldBod, the Forestry Commission, and the Ghana Armed Forces. This agreement aims to reclaim 50 hectares of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve degraded by illegal mining. APL argues this reclamation work duplicates efforts of agencies like the Minerals Commission and Forestry Commission, which already have clear legal mandates for such activities.
This issue highlights Ghana's challenge in managing its vital natural resources and preventing corruption within state institutions. The government has faced scrutiny over its fight against illegal mining, known as 'galamsey'. Data from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources shows extensive land degradation and water pollution from these activities. This proposed amendment aims to streamline governmental operations and prevent fragmentation of efforts in a crucial sector.
Professor Isaac Boadi, a Fellow of APL, warned that GoldBod's actions raise serious governance concerns. He stated GoldBod's upstream expansion, under the guise of funding, undermines the Ministry of Lands & Natural Resources and its agencies. The think tank also cautioned that GoldBod's actions could weaken institutional independence and distort accountability.
The current wording of Sections 3 and 25 of Act 1140 allows for GoldBod to expand its influence into areas already covered by existing institutions. APL suggests that the amendment should direct funds earmarked under Section 25(1) to legally established institutions and agencies. This ensures that expert bodies manage activities outside GoldBod’s specific mandate. This approach would help ensure value for money in public projects and avoid unnecessary state expenditure.
Without direct oversight responsibility, GoldBod may struggle to track projects and ensure value for money, according to APL. This could lead to financial loss for the State. Ensuring clear mandates will be crucial for Ghana's economic stability and good governance. Decision-makers in Parliament will need to consider this proposed amendment to safeguard public funds and institutional integrity. The financial markets will also closely watch how these legislative changes unfold, as they could impact investor confidence in Ghana's mining sector.
The Minerals Commission also clarified its limited role in GoldBod's geological exploration initiatives. An RTI response from May 18, 2026, stated the Commission only provides the Ghana Geological Survey Authority with information on blocked-out areas. This provision allows investigations on behalf of GoldBod, not as a partnership in exploration management. The lack of direct involvement by mandated bodies further underscores APL's concerns about GoldBod's expanding role.