Accra: Policy think tank Africa Policy Lens (APL) is urging for an immediate amendment of Section 25 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140) to safeguard the mandates of mining sector institutions and prevent financial losses from overlapping functions.
According to Ghana Web, APL issued a statement highlighting concerns over the Ghana Gold Board's (GoldBod) recent activities, which they claim encroach on functions already legally assigned to other state institutions.
On June 16, 2026, GoldBod signed an agreement with the Forestry Commission and Ghana Armed Forces to reclaim 50 hectares of the degraded Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve. The project, with a budget of GH?36.35 million, aims to rehabilitate land affected by illegal mining. However, APL warns that this initiative intrudes on the mandates of the Minerals Commission, NAELP, Forestry Commission, and GLRSSMP, all operating under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
APL contends that while Section 3(g) of the Act might justify reclamation efforts, its broad language could lead to mandate duplication and institutional overlap. They voiced concerns that GoldBod might inadvertently evolve into a de facto upstream small-scale mining regulator, a role not aligned with its core objectives under Section 2 of the Act.
GoldBod had previously announced plans for its Mining Support Unit to collaborate with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority and Minerals Commission for geological exploration in small-scale mining. However, the Minerals Commission clarified in a response dated May 18, 2026, that it only provides information on blocked-out areas for geological investigations on behalf of GoldBod.
APL emphasized that GoldBod's upstream expansion could undermine the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and other agencies, such as the Minerals Commission and Forestry Commission, which legally lead reclamation efforts. They cautioned that such actions might weaken institutional independence and create parallel governance structures, posing financial risks due to lack of oversight.
Following a review, APL concluded that Sections 3 and 25 of Act 1140 might unintentionally broaden GoldBod's influence into areas covered by existing institutions. They proposed an amendment to ensure funds under Section 25 are not administered by GoldBod but transferred to relevant agencies legally mandated to support small-scale miners.
APL also highlighted concerns over GoldBod's power to issue guidelines on fund use, describing it as excessive control over activities beyond its mandate. They urged GoldBod to concentrate on its core objectives, allowing legally mandated institutions to lead upstream activities.