Accra:The Ghana Coalition Against Galamsey (CAGG) has petitioned the Attorney General to investigate the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, over alleged comments that suggest small-scale miners can operate without licences if they avoid forest reserves and water bodies.
According to Ghana Web, CAGG has expressed concern that these reported remarks could potentially encourage or facilitate illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. In a statement released on October 24, 2026, CAGG labeled the alleged comments as reckless and unlawful, emphasizing that they could undermine ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities.
The coalition has urged the Office of the Attorney General to investigate the statements for possible abetment of illegal mining, referencing Section 99 of Act 995. CAGG highlighted the importance of adhering to Ghana's mining laws, which strictly prohibit mining without a valid licence, citing Section 99(2)(a) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), as amended by Act 995 of 2019, to support their position.
CAGG further clarified that the law holds accountable those who encourage or assist in illegal mining activities, with penalties including fines ranging from GH¢120,000 to GH¢180,000, imprisonment for 15 to 25 years, or both. The coalition is demanding that Sammy Gyamfi retract the alleged comments and issue an apology to the citizens of Ghana.
In addition, CAGG has called upon President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, and the Minerals Commission to publicly reaffirm that mining without a licence is illegal, regardless of the location. The coalition insists that the Attorney General must look into the matter to determine if the alleged statements constitute an abetment of illegal mining.