Years ago, late businessman and politician Charles Eric Kofi Wayo, argued that Ghana could earn more from its gold resources by organising and supporting small-scale miners rather than relying heavily on foreign mining companies.

Wayo, who died on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the age of 71, maintained that illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, could contribute significantly more to the country's foreign exchange earnings if they were properly organised, equipped and educated.

In a video shared on Threads on November 7, 2026, the outspoken politician was heard questioning Ghana's approach to dealing with galamsey, arguing that the country was fighting people who could instead be empowered to generate greater economic benefits.

"Do you know who is giving the Ghana government foreign exchange? The galamsey people, the people that the Europeans told you to fight," he said.

He argued that rather than criminalising and fighting small-scale miners, the government should organise them and provide them with the necessary machinery and education to undertake responsible mining.

According to him, such an approach would allow Ghana to retain more of the wealth generated from its mineral resources instead of depending on foreign mining companies.

Wayo also criticised what he described as the unfavourable returns Ghana receives from gold exports involving foreign mining interests.

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He cited figures suggesting that out of more than $800 million worth of gold exported in the previous year, Ghana received only about $47 million.

"I mean, nobody in the world would act like that. Nobody does, except Africa," he stated.

He further insisted that Ghanaian small-scale miners could generate returns exceeding the amount he cited if they were properly supported.

"Instead of getting these galamsey people, organise them right, because they have experience already. That's how the white men started. You help them with machinery and education and they would mine the gold from Ghana," he added.

His comments have resurfaced following news of his death, bringing renewed attention to his unconventional views on Ghana's mining sector and economic management.

Wayo was one of Ghana's most outspoken political figures, known for his blunt criticism of successive governments and his ambition to establish an alternative political movement.

Despite several years of political activism and attempts to become president, he never achieved his presidential ambition.

Watch the video below

View on Threads