How Prez. Mahama’s Galamsey Remarks Could Fuel Money Laundering, Organised Crime – Expert Shares Insight

After the maiden media encounter, President John Dramani Mahama’s suggestion that gold exports from illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) still represent national benefit continues to draw sharp criticisms from some civil society organizations and concerned Ghanaians.

 Latest to join in the criticism is Dr. Steve Manteaw, co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), who warns the comment risks legitimizing illicit gold flows.

Dr. Manteaw argues that framing galamsey output as a boost to exports and foreign exchange earnings heightens the risk of money laundering and the financing of Serious Organised Crime (SOC).

Such a posture could send the wrong signal internationally that Ghana is appearing to normalize gold of questionable origin in our export basket. He notes that this puts Ghana at risk of international sanctions if we fail to take decisive action against galamsey.

According to him, the President’s remarks also undermine Ghana’s credibility in adhering to global standards on responsible mineral sourcing, potentially shutting the country out of mainstream markets where traceability and ethical practices are prerequisites.

The co-chair of GHEITI notes that the remarks could “heighten the risk of money laundering and the financing of Serious Organised Crime (SOC). Ghana risks international sanctions if we don’t take decisive action against the galamsey menace.”

Dr. Manteaw stressed that, rather than appearing to concede ground in the fight against illegal mining, the President should have highlighted ongoing reforms such as the introduction of the GoldBod initiative.

Established by statute, the GoldBod is mandated to disrupt illicit gold trade by rolling out a gold traceability system powered by blockchain technology to track gold from pit to refinery.

“I’m also aware that the GoldBod is committed, and that commitment is reinforced by its statute of establishment, to disrupt market opportunities for galamsey gold through the establishment of a gold traceability system/blockchain technological intervention that tracks gold from the pit to the refinery,” he noted.

He added that, “Perhaps, the president should have emphasized this, rather than appear to be giving up on the country’s fight against galamsey.”

With money laundering networks increasingly exploiting opaque gold supply chains, experts warn that any mixed messaging from leadership could embolden criminal syndicates.

To avert this situation, the government must aggressively operationalize the GoldBod’s traceability framework. For now, pressure is mounting on the government to send stronger signals of commitment to stamping out illegal mining, rather than legitimizing its proceeds.

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