President John Dramani Mahama has made a passionate call for greater local ownership in Ghana’s gold mining industry, declaring that “it is time for Ghanaians to own the goldmines.”
The President made the remark during the official inauguration of the GoldBod Taskforce, a specialised unit aimed at combating illegal mining and ensuring better regulation of the sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prez. Mahama said Ghana’s mineral wealth must benefit its citizens, not just foreign entities or a few elites.
The President’s comments come amid renewed national discussions on resource nationalism, fair mining practices, and the fight against illegal mining activities, known locally as galamsey.
The newly launched GoldBod Taskforce will coordinate anti-illegal mining operations, enforce compliance with mining regulations, and protect water bodies and farmlands. It is also expected to support community-led enforcement through an innovative whistleblower reward system, which offers 10% of the value of seized gold or its cash equivalent to citizens who report illegal mining activities.
President Mahama said the taskforce would not only clamp down on illegal miners but also pave the way for legitimate Ghanaian entrepreneurs to take a more active role in the gold value chain from small-scale operations to export.
