The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has praised Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), for his bold and strategic leadership in advancing Ghana’s gold and mineral resource management.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025, Otumfuo highlighted Ghana’s enduring challenge—not the lack of natural resources, but the failure to fully leverage them in the global marketplace.
“Probably the most costly effect of illicit mining to me is the distraction from the real challenge we face, which is how we maximise the benefits of our noble heritage,” he said.
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, speaking at the event
“We have to be true to ourselves and admit that we have not done a good job of representing and protecting ourselves in the competitive global market.”
In this context, the Asantehene singled out Sammy Gyamfi for commendation, applauding his efforts to move Ghana’s mining sector beyond reactive measures against illegal mining toward a more proactive, sustainable, and value-driven approach.
“Sammy, I thank you very much on this one,” Otumfuo remarked, acknowledging Gyamfi’s commitment to building stronger institutions, promoting value addition, and ensuring equitable returns from Ghana’s gold industry.
Gyamfi’s leadership at GoldBod has seen the agency become a key advocate for responsible mining, transparent governance, and increased Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets. His work aligns with broader national efforts to formalise the mining sector, enhance local participation, and mitigate the environmental and economic damage caused by illegal mining.
Otumfuo stressed that Ghana’s approach to mining must evolve beyond policing illegal activities to implementing systemic reforms that position the country competitively in the global mineral value chain.
“Through the mining industry, and gold in particular, we have the opportunity to rewrite our story—but only if we take ourselves seriously,” he said.
The Asantehene’s endorsement of GoldBod’s direction reflects growing traditional support for reforms aimed at maximizing the national value of Ghana’s natural resources.
Credit: ghanaweb.com
