The acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has earned the praise and admiration of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his exploits.
Speaking at the official opening of the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra on Monday, June 2, 2025, the Asantehene lauded Sammy Gyamfi for his decisive leadership and commitment to ensuring Ghana reaps maximum value from its gold and mineral resources.
According to him, Ghana’s longstanding challenge has not been the lack of natural resources, but rather the inability to fully capitalise on them in the competitive global market.
“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. 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,” he stated.
Otumfuo reiterated that the conversation around mining must go beyond policing illegal activities to include systemic reforms that elevate Ghana’s position 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 added.
The Asantehene also praised Sammy Gyamfi for his bold and patriotic leadership at GoldBod, noting that his efforts are helping shift the national focus from reactive responses to illegal mining toward proactive strategies that secure long-term value from Ghana’s mineral wealth.
“Sammy, I thank you very much for this one,” Otumfuo said.
The commendation comes at a time when Ghana is intensifying efforts to formalise the mining sector, increase local participation, and curb the harmful environmental and economic effects of illegal mining.
Under the leadership of Sammy Gyamfi, GoldBod has emerged as a vocal proponent of responsible mining, transparent governance, and Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets.
