Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has received praise from Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his courageous and astute leadership in promoting Ghana’s management of its gold and mineral resources.
Speaking on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the opening ceremony of the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra, Otumfuo emphasized Ghana’s persistent problem, which is not a shortage of natural resources but rather the inability to properly utilize them in the international 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,” he said.
“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.”
Sammy Gyamfi was singled out by the Asantehene for praise in this regard, praising his attempts to shift Ghana’s mining industry away from reactive tactics to combat illicit mining and toward a more proactive, sustainable, and values-driven strategy.
Otumfuo emphasized that Ghana’s approach to mining must move beyond policing illegal activities to implementing systemic reforms that position the country competitively in the global mineral value chain.
Under Gyamfi’s leadership, GoldBod has become a key advocate for responsible mining, transparent governance, and increased Ghanaian ownership of strategic mineral assets.
His work is in line with broader national efforts to formalize the mining sector, enhance local participation, and mitigate the environmental and economic damage caused by illegal mining.
“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 increased traditional support for reforms aimed at optimizing Ghana’s natural resources’ national worth is shown in the Asantehene’s endorsement of GoldBod’s course.