Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem has clarified that GoldBod was not created to combat illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Speaking on GTV’s Breakfast Show, he said responsibility for tackling galamsey rests with other state institutions.
“GoldBod is not established to fight galamsey. Let’s put it on record,” he said.
According to him, agencies such as the Minerals Commission, Forestry Commission and other regulatory bodies have mandates related to addressing illegal mining activities.
“There are other bodies whose mandate is to help fight galamsey. GoldBod is not to fight,” he stated.
Mr Ampem, however, maintained that there is no basis for claims that GoldBod is purchasing illegally sourced gold.
“It would be difficult for someone to point to the fact that GoldBod is buying galamsey gold,” he said.
His comments came as part of a broader discussion on GoldBod’s operations and its role in Ghana’s gold export sector.
