Former Tourism Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer has taken issue with President John Mahama’s proposal for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to purchase gold from illegal miners, widely known as galamseyers.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, September 11, the former Sekondi MP described the President’s comments as worrying and counterproductive to Ghana’s efforts to curb illegal mining.

President Mahama had earlier argued that all gold mined within the country should be purchased by the GoldBod, including that from galamsey operators, stressing that since the gold belongs to Ghana, it should be harnessed to benefit the nation.

He added that the measure would help shore up the country’s reserves and strengthen economic resilience.

However, Mr Mercer warned that such a move would amount to legitimising an illegal trade that has already caused severe environmental degradation.

“If the President himself says government should buy gold from illegal miners, what signal are we sending? That is acceptable to destroy our water bodies and farmlands so long as the state can buy the gold? This undermines everything we have done to fight galamsey,” he said.

He maintained that the GoldBod must strictly source its gold from licensed small-scale and large-scale operators, rather than encouraging unlawful practices.

“What we ought to do is strengthen the capacity of legal miners and ensure compliance with regulations. Supporting galamsey through state purchases is not the solution. It will embolden lawlessness and weaken environmental protection,” Mr Mercer stressed.