The Forum for Responsible Resource Governance (FRRG) has described the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) planned nationwide land reclamation initiative as unlawful, arguing that the agency lacks the statutory mandate to undertake and finance such a project under its establishing legislation.
The criticism follows GoldBod’s announcement that it has signed an agreement with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Forestry Commission to roll out a nationwide Land Reclamation, Rehabilitation and Reforestation Programme aimed at restoring lands degraded by illegal mining activities.
According to GoldBod, the project, estimated at GH¢36.35 million, will be fully funded by the institution and implemented in phases across the country.
In a statement issued on Thursday, June 18, the FRRG argued that GoldBod’s mandate under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), is limited to overseeing gold trading activities, generating foreign exchange, and supporting the accumulation of gold reserves by the Bank of Ghana.
The group maintained that land reclamation does not fall within the statutory functions assigned to the agency.
The Forum further contended that any attempt to justify the initiative under Section 3(1)(g) of the Act would be misplaced, noting that the provision only requires GoldBod to “promote and support environmentally sustainable and responsible mining practices” in pursuit of its core mandate.
It argued that “Parliament never intended for the Gold Board to initiate, lead, and fund such a capital-intensive venture with taxpayers’ cedis,” stressing that the provision merely requires the agency to promote responsible mining practices.
The FRRG therefore called on GoldBod and government to reconsider the project, warning that the expenditure could amount to an unlawful use of public funds.
“While the Gold Board may be tempted to foray into areas outside its mandate because it considers itself financially capable, it must be reminded that it is a creature of statute and must at all times operate within its legal mandate,” the statement added.
Bats take over school building as teacher shortage hits Afram Plains
Missionary flouting directives by Regional Minister to move from foot of…
