In a major boost to the government’s fight against illegal mining, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has donated GHS5 million and five Toyota Hilux pickups to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS).

The presentation ceremony was held on Monday, September 15, 2025, at GoldBod’s head office in Accra.

Making the donation, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.

He stressed that GoldBod’s initiatives are geared toward preserving ecological integrity while ensuring Ghana benefits from its mineral resources.

“The Ghana Gold Board wants to buy more gold for foreign exchange generation, but the gold we buy must be mined responsibly.

Our survival depends on the success of the fight against illegal mining, and so we cannot afford to fail,” he said.

Mr. Gyamfi further pledged GoldBod’s support for miners who operate within the law, while cautioning that NAIMOS would continue to deal decisively with those engaged in illegal practices.

He also announced additional initiatives, including value-chain traceability in the gold sector, the formalisation of small-scale mining, and a reclamation programme targeting 1,000 hectares of destroyed forest reserves.

Receiving the donation, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, expressed the government’s appreciation, describing the support as timely in the ongoing fight against “galamsey.

“This gesture is a major boost at this crucial time.

Government will not relent but sustain the fight against galamsey until devastated forests are restored and polluted water bodies reclaimed,” the Minister assured.

The move underscores GoldBod’s role as a strategic partner in Ghana’s battle against illegal mining, while signalling renewed commitment to safeguarding the nation’s environment and natural resources.