Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has pushed back against critics questioning the Government’s position on illegal mining after a Member of Parliament suggested that the military unit Operation Golden Dawn (Gold Bod) might be buying gold from illegal small-scale miners.
At a press briefing in Accra, Oppong Nkrumah asked a pointed question to those raising the claims, saying if Gold Bod is not purchasing gold from galamsey operators then who is doing so. His remarks came after some political voices insisted that the security unit could be involved in illegal gold transactions, a charge the Government strongly rejects.
Gold Bod was established by the Government to support enforcement efforts against illegal mining, protect mining sites and recover stolen equipment. It operates alongside other security services to ensure that environmental laws are upheld, particularly in areas where illegal mining is most prevalent.
Oppong Nkrumah said the suggestion that the security task force is complicit in buying illegally mined gold was unfounded and damaging. He stressed that the Government remains committed to stamping out galamsey and that any credible evidence of wrongdoing should be presented to the proper authorities so that investigations can follow.
He added that if there are individuals or groups involved in buying gold illegally, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to identify and prosecute them based on evidence rather than speculation. He urged all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and allow investigative processes to determine the facts.
Oppong Nkrumah reiterated that the President’s directive for stricter enforcement against illegal mining remains in effect. The Government has repeatedly highlighted efforts to restore the environment, support legitimate mining operations and protect water bodies and farmlands from the harmful effects of galamsey activities.
Environmental advocates and some lawmakers have been vocal about the need for transparency and accountability in the fight against illegal mining. They argue that enforcement must be fair and free from corruption so that environmental degradation can be reduced and the livelihoods of affected communities protected.
Oppong Nkrumah’s comments are part of a broader debate about how best to tackle galamsey in Ghana, a long-standing challenge that has drawn attention from policymakers, civil society and international partners.
