Minority in Parliament has accused the NDC government of endorsing illegal small-scale mining, commonly known as galamsey, through the creation of GoldBod—an entity tasked with regulating and purchasing gold from small-scale miners.

Speaking at a press briefing in Parliament on Friday, March 28, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin denounced the initiative, labeling it a “Galamsey Board” rather than a genuine regulatory authority.

“We’re all aware of the challenges we face as a nation, specifically on galamsey, I believe that galamsey became a major issue during the elections.

“Our friends who are now in government made some promises to the nation. Today, they are the apostles who are promoting galamsey. They are using their numbers to now establish what has become known as a Galamsey Board,” he stated.

Mr Afenyo-Markin argued that instead of prioritising investments in agriculture, women’s banking, and the much-publicised 24-hour economy policy, the government is diverting GH¢4.6 billion to small-scale miners, whom he described as galamsey operators.

“If you bring an enactment and you say your focus is on small-scale mining – all of us in this country know that small-scale mining is galamsey. So the question is – is this government really ready to fight galamsey?” he questioned.

The Minority Leader also raised concerns over the government's approach to gold purchases through GoldBod, accusing it of monopolizing the market for small-scale miners while simultaneously offering them financial support. He argued that this practice contradicts efforts to combat illegal mining.

Reaffirming the Minority’s dedication to accountability, he emphasized that their role extends beyond mere opposition, as they remain committed to ensuring that an NDC-led administration fulfills its promises to the Ghanaian people.

“We told you something that with time, the true colours of this NDC will be known. I think today, we have all seen them.

“Let us assure you – we, the mighty minority, we are assuring you that we will continue to be constructive in our criticism, we will not criticise for the sake of criticising, but we will hold their (NDC/Majority) feet to the fire,” he added.