The Forum for Responsible Resource Governance (FRRG) has dismissed suggestions that provisions within the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, provide sufficient legal grounds for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to undertake a nationwide land reclamation programme.
The organisation specifically referenced Section 3(1)(g) of Act 1140, which requires GoldBod to promote and support environmentally sustainable and responsible mining practices.
According to the Forum, the provision cannot be interpreted as granting authority for the institution to lead and finance a major environmental restoration project.
It argued that legislation must be read in its entirety and in line with Parliament’s original intent, adding that if lawmakers had intended to empower GoldBod to undertake reclamation and rehabilitation works directly, such authority would have been explicitly stated among its statutory functions.
The statement also rejected the use of Section 25 of the Act as justification for the expenditure, insisting that it does not cover land reclamation activities.
“Section 25 is clear on the statutory purpose and procedure of the expenditure intended under that provision. Clearly, land reclamation does not fall within the purview of Section 25,” the Forum stated.
The group concluded that strict adherence to statutory limits is essential for lawful governance and accountability.
“Anything short of that makes it an illegality such as the present land reclamation project,” it added, reiterating its call for government and GoldBod to suspend and review the initiative before committing public funds.
FRRG raises questions over GH¢36.35m GoldBod reclamation budget
Resource Governance Forum challenges GoldBod’s land reclamation project
