The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has described Ghana’s gold sector as pivotal to the country’s economic transformation agenda, stressing the need to maximise national benefits and strengthen control over mineral resources.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition with George Wiafe, Mr Gyamfi said his appointment came as a surprise but reflects the confidence reposed in him by John Mahama.
“For me, it was an exciting call made by the president,” he said, describing Mr Mahama as a father figure and a visionary leader who has played a key role in his journey.
He acknowledged that many did not expect him to head the Gold Board, given his background in political communication, but said the President’s decision was based on a broader assessment of his capabilities.
“At the time, many thought I would take on a communication-related role, but the President saw something different and gave me this opportunity,” he noted.
Mr Gyamfi also credited the support of Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, as they work together to advance reforms in the gold sector.
He emphasised that gold remains central to the government’s “reset agenda,” aimed at transforming the economy and addressing longstanding inefficiencies.
According to him, the strategy goes beyond extraction to include improving trading systems and ensuring that revenues are retained within the country to support economic growth.
“The goal is to ensure that Ghanaians take control not only of extraction but also of trading, and that the proceeds are channelled back into the economy,” he explained.
Mr Gyamfi highlighted persistent challenges such as revenue leakages and low foreign exchange repatriation, noting that the new approach seeks to address these structural issues.
Despite acknowledging that many within the governing party are qualified for the role, he described his appointment as a rare privilege and pledged to justify the trust placed in him.
“My focus is to work hard every day to deliver and not let the President down,” he said, adding that he remains committed to supporting the broader transformation agenda of the government.
