News
GoldBod supports Fight Against Illegal Mining with Major Donation
In a significant move to strengthen government’s avowed fight against illegal mining, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has donated an amount of GHS5 million and five (5) Toyota Hilux pickups to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).
The donation ceremony took place at the head office of the GoldBod in Accra, today, Monday, September 15, 2025 at about 11:30am.
The Chief Executive Officer of the GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi Esq. who made the donation, emphasised the organization’s unwavering commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices in the country.
He noted that this donation is part of various initiatives by the GoldBod aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of mining communities and supporting sustainable mining practices.
“The Ghana Gold Board wants to buy more gold for purposes of foreign exchange generation for the country but the gold we buy, must be mined and sourced responsibly to create better value and in a manner, that doesn’t undermine the sanctity of our environment. Our collective survival as a people depends on the success of the fight against illegal mining and so we cannot afford to fail”, he said.
Mr. Gyamfi further indicated that the GoldBod is committed to supporting persons who desire to engage in legal and responsible mining but will support NAIMOS to deal ruthlessly with recalcitrant persons who are hellbent on engaging in illegal and irresponsible mining.
In addition to the cash and vehicles donated, Mr. Gyamfi announced upcoming initiatives that will ensure value-chain traceability in the gold trade sector and the formalization of the small-scale mining sector.
He also annouced the decision by the GoldBod to support the reclamation of 1000 hectares of devastated forest reserves lands in the country, as well as the cooperative mining program launched by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Receiving the donation, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah expressed his profound gratitude to the GoldBod for the donation.
He indicated that the gesture will serve as a major boost to the fight against the “Galamsey” menace at this crucial time.
The Minister assured the media and the general public that government will not relent but sustain the fight against the “Galamsey” menace until all devastated forests are turned green and our polluted water bodies, turned blue.
News
Declare a state of emergency in parts of the country affected by illegal mining – Coalition Against Galamsey to Mahama
The Coalition Against Galamsey is asking President John Mahama to declare a state of emergency in areas badly affected by illegal mining.
According to the Convenor of the Coalition, Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, the situation has gone beyond control and requires urgent action to save lives and protect the environment.
He explained that the Constitution allows a state of emergency to be declared when the actions of criminals threaten essential resources such as water, safety, and the survival of communities.
He said illegal miners were destroying water bodies and depriving large communities of clean drinking water, which is an “essential of life.”
Dr. Ashigbey stressed that the call was not for the entire country, but only for parts of Ghana where the destruction is severe.
He added that declaring a state of emergency in these areas will give government the legal power to act quickly and decisively.
He also called on the President to provide clear timelines and targets to guide the fight against galamsey.
This, he said, would help demonstrate government’s seriousness and commitment to ending the menace.
The Coalition insisted that declaring a state of emergency was no longer a last resort but an immediate step needed to save Ghanaians and protect the future of the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
The Ghana Bar Association must be non-partisan in the discharge of their duties – Dominic Ayine urges
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has called on the Ghana Bar Association (GBA) to remain non-partisan in the discharge of its duties.
He said the credibility of the legal profession would be at risk if the bar allowed itself to be influenced by political interests.
Speaking at the GBA 2025/ 2026 annual general conference, Dr. Ayine reminded members that their first allegiance was to the Constitution and the Republic, not to any government or opposition party.
He stressed that for over three decades, the GBA had played an important role in helping the Supreme Court interpret and enforce the law, but outside the courtroom, its advocacy had often lacked consistency.
Dr. Ayine pointed to past cases such as the 2015 petition against the former CHRAJ Chairperson, Loretta Lamptey, and the 2017 petition for the removal of Electoral Commission Chairperson, Charlotte Osei, where the bar remained silent.
He noted that the association only found its voice during the petition against former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, a stance he said coincided with the position of the opposition.
He questioned why the bar acted differently in those situations, especially since all three cases involved women of repute who held positions in key constitutional bodies.
Dr. Ayine urged the GBA to be the conscience of the republic, saying lawyers must defend the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, and the rights of citizens regardless of which political party was in power.
He warned against inviting foreign interference in Ghana’s constitutional matters, saying international collaboration should be limited to professional exchanges and not politics.
He further encouraged the GBA to promote integrity among its members, strengthen pro bono services to support the poor, and embrace digital reforms such as e-filing and electronic court records to modernize the justice system.
According to him, the destiny of Ghana is tied to the integrity of the legal profession.
He added that if lawyers stand firm, the country will also stand firm, but if they falter, the republic will stumble.
By: Jacob Aggrey
