Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), Sammy Gyamfi, has stated that he has no regrets for criticising former President Akufo-Addo’s fight against illegal mining, popularly known as “galamsey”.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on September 19, 2025, Gyamfi explained that his criticisms were based on what he described as the former president’s failure to end the menace and, in some cases, his active role in promoting it.

“In hindsight, I’ll go back to that very location and do the same press conference against Akufo-Addo because, in fact, and you will all attest to the fact that, President Akufo-Addo lacked the political will and commitment to end the ‘galamsey’ menace,” he stated.

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According to him, instead of showing strong leadership, the former president turned the fight against illegal mining into what he termed as a free-for-all venture for members of his party and appointees.

He stressed that the posture of the former president led to the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies across the country.

Gyamfi added that his position on the matter has not changed, insisting that he is proud of the stance he took in opposition against the previous government.

He said those criticisms were necessary to highlight the dangers of poor management of the illegal mining menace.

Turning his attention to the present, he commended the ongoing efforts by the NDC government under President John Mahama.

He noted that the current administration’s approach has so far recorded significant gains in securing forest reserves and protecting water bodies from destruction.

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“I’m proud because significant strides are being made in the fight against illegal mining under the Mahama government,” he said.

MRA/VPO

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