New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament John Darko falsely attributed a claim about illegal mining to the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Mr. Darko stated that “about 80% of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM) engage in illegal mining activities,” citing the Chamber. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has explicitly denied making this statement.
Mr. Darko, representing the Suame Constituency, made this assertion in a Facebook post on August 24, 2026. This post gained significant traction, accumulating over 415 likes and 251 comments. The false claim emerged amidst public debate regarding reported losses of GHS 20.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) allegedly tied to the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) operations with the Bank of Ghana. The Chamber clarified it does not collect data on small-scale mining activities.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Ghana's mining sector and the spread of misinformation. Small-scale mining is a vital part of the Ghanaian economy, contributing significantly to gold output. In 2025, the ASM sector accounted for an estimated 39% of national gold production, up from 28% in 2023. The sector generates approximately GHS 132 billion (USD 11 billion) in foreign exchange, surpassing large-scale miners' GHS 108 billion (USD 9 billion).
The Ghana Chamber of Mines confirmed to Ghana Fact that the statement did not originate from them. The Chamber further noted that GoldBod is the primary source for data on small-scale mining. While MP John Darko was contacted for comment regarding these findings, he did not provide a response.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) reported in July 2026 that 70% to 80% of artisanal and small-scale miners operate without a licence. This figure, however, was not attributed to the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The ACSS report cited an October 2024 Reuters publication for this statistic. Unregulated small-scale mining can lead to environmental damage and public health issues.
This misattribution could complicate public understanding and policy discussions surrounding illegal mining, known as galamsey. Accurate data is crucial for effective regulation and sustainable development in the sector. Decision-makers and the public must rely on verified information to address the complex issues within Ghana's mining industry. The incident underscores the importance of fact-checking in public discourse.