On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, a high-level engagement was held between the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa East, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim, and members of the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) from the Birim, Akwatia, Anyinam, and Kyebi zones in the Eastern Region.
The meeting held at the Presby Church Anyinam, formed part of ongoing efforts by government and stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable small-scale mining, enhance traceability, and ensure fair gold pricing within Ghana’s formalized gold sector.
In his address, Hon. Ernest Owusu Ntim commended small-scale miners for their contribution to local and national economic growth but called for a renewed commitment to legal, safe, and environmentally responsible mining practices. He emphasized the need for miners to adhere strictly to mining regulations to safeguard water bodies, rehabilitate degraded lands, and protect communities affected by mining activities.
Hon. Owusu Ntim also underscored the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR), urging miners to contribute to development projects such as the Ghana Sugar Factory and other community initiatives that uplift the livelihoods of residents.
Reaffirming the Assembly’s stance against illegal mining, the DCE announced a GH₵10,000 reward for individuals who provide credible information leading to the arrest of persons involved in illegal mining (galamsey). He cautioned that while mining remains a vital source of income, unregulated operations have severely damaged the environment and tarnished the sector’s image, stressing that “it is time to mine responsibly and sustainably.”
Officials from GoldBod used the platform to educate miners on the critical role of traceability in the gold value chain. They explained that tracking gold from its source to the final buyer ensures legality, transparency, and integrity in Ghana’s gold trade.
GoldBod representatives further outlined the organization’s gold pricing framework, assuring miners that the system is designed to promote fairness, prevent exploitation, and ensure that miners receive competitive and transparent prices for their gold.
At the end of the engagement, members of GNASSM from all four zones expressed their commitment to collaborate closely with the District Assembly and GoldBod to promote responsible mining practices, protect the environment, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the Eastern Region.
The meeting marked another step forward in Ghana’s collective journey toward a formalized, transparent, and environmentally sustainable mining sector that benefits both local communities and the national economy.
