Ghana’s gold trade law under fire amid illegal mining claims

Ghana’s GoldBod Act sparks fierce debate over illegal mining regulations

A public dispute has erupted over Ghana’s GoldBod Act, which aims to regulate the country’s gold trade. Policy analyst Dr Steve Manteaw strongly rejected claims by Prof Stephen Addae that the law effectively legalises illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. The debate centres on how the Act enforces traceability and compliance in the gold supply chain.

The controversy began when Prof Addae criticised the Ghana Gold Board, suggesting its policies allowed illegally mined gold to enter the market. Dr Manteaw countered these assertions, calling them 'pedestrian' and expressing surprise at their source. He argued that a senior academic should have a clearer grasp of the Act’s regulatory intent.

The GoldBod Act requires a full traceability system for all gold, ensuring only legally sourced metal reaches the official supply chain. Dr Manteaw explained that the Board’s framework follows OECD guidelines on responsible mineral sourcing and FATF rules on customer due diligence. He added that the Board is actively reviewing proposals to strengthen this system further.

Despite the back-and-forth, the author of the GoldBod Act remains unnamed in public records. The law’s focus on transparency and accountability has become a key point of contention between the two experts.

The Ghana Gold Board maintains its policies are designed to block illegal gold from the market. Dr Manteaw’s remarks highlight the ongoing efforts to refine traceability measures. For now, the debate underscores the challenges in balancing regulation with the realities of Ghana’s mining sector.