Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has received praise from Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his resolute leadership and unshakable dedication to making sure Ghana gets the most out of its gold and mineral resources.
The Asantehene said that Ghana’s long-standing problem has never been a shortage of natural resources but rather the incapacity to properly utilize them in the cutthroat global market during the official launch of the Mining in Motion Summit in Accra on Monday, June 2.
“Probably the costliest effect of illicit mining, to me, is the distraction from the real challenge we face, which is how we maximize the benefits of our noble heritage. We have to be true to ourselves and admit that we have not done a good job of representing and protecting ourselves in the global marketplace,” Otumfuo stated.
In his speech, the Asantehene commended Sammy Gyamfi for his fearless and patriotic leadership at GoldBod, pointing out that his work is assisting in reorienting the national focus from reactive measures to combat illicit mining to proactive plans that ensure Ghana’s mineral endowment would continue to provide long-term value.
Otumfuo acknowledged Gyamfi’s contribution to the cause of value addition, stronger institutions, and fair profits from the gold business by saying, “Sammy, thank you very much on this one.”
The praise coincides with Ghana’s stepping up efforts to legitimize the mining industry, increase local involvement, and lessen the negative economic and environmental effects of illicit mining.
GoldBod has been a strong advocate for ethical mining, open governance, and Ghanaian ownership of valuable mineral resources under Gyamfi’s direction.
Otumfuo reaffirmed that systemic reforms that improve Ghana’s standing in the global mineral value chain must be included in the national dialogue about mining, in addition to regulating illegal activities.
“Through the mining industry, and gold in particular, we have the opportunity to rewrite our story, but only if we take ourselves seriously,” he added.
Growing traditional leadership support for reforms aimed at optimizing Ghana’s natural resources for the country’s benefit is indicated by the Asantehene’s public endorsement of GoldBod’s direction.
Source: newsthemegh.com