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

The group said the scale of the proposed expenditure raises concerns about transparency and accountability, particularly as key details of the project’s design and execution have not been publicly disclosed.

GoldBod recently announced that it would finance a nationwide land reclamation, rehabilitation, and reforestation programme in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Forestry Commission.

According to the FRRG, several key issues remain unanswered, including whether the project was included in GoldBod’s approved 2026 budget and whether it received the necessary approval from the institution’s governing board and supervising ministry.

The organisation argued that these questions are critical given the significant financial commitment involved.

The Forum further questioned how GoldBod arrived at the project cost and what outcomes taxpayers should expect.

“How did the Gold Board arrive at a figure of GH¢36.35 million, and how many hectares of land is this amount expected to reclaim?” the group asked. It also sought clarity on the duration of the project and the mechanisms that would ensure value for money.

The FRRG stressed that the public deserves full disclosure before the initiative proceeds.

“These questions and more make it imperative for the Gold Board and government to seriously reconsider and rethink this land reclamation project,” the statement added, emphasising that transparency must be central to any large-scale public expenditure.

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