Ghana should be prepared to take radical decisions – including closing down the national bullion depository, the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), or suspending gold exports, if necessary – to rebuild domestic capacity and regain control over natural resources, the director of research and administration at the think tank Africa Policy Lens (APL) has said.
Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa insisted that the country has the means to chart a different path, provided political will replaces rhetoric.
Just optics
Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (3 January), Ayerakwa argued that the government’s focus on GOLDBOD and the Gold-for-Reserves programme is misplaced while illegal mining continues to devastate communities.
“Illegal mining is killing more people than armed robbery is doing,” Ayerakwa said, accusing the Mahama administration of repeating the same failed approaches he once criticised in opposition, relying on “optics” rather than decisive action.
“What new thing is this government doing to address this genocide being perpetrated on the average Ghanaian?” Ayerakwa asked.
Caution
The economist warned that continuing to give GOLDBOD top priority while illegal mining thrives is morally and economically unsustainable.
Ayerakwa argued that Ghana must be willing to make tough policy choices to safeguard natural resources and rebuild domestic industries.
“We cannot be talking about GOLDBOD when we are killing ourselves,” he said, calling for the depoliticisation of the fight against galamsey and a shift from symbolic economic measures toward protecting lives, land and long-term productivity.
“Enough of the talk. If we have to close down GOLDBOD, stop gold exports, we can do it. Ghana has what it takes,” Ayerakwa said.
Government officials have previously defended GOLDBOD, presenting its work as an essential element of reform measures to stabilise the Ghanaian economy and strengthen foreign reserves.
The government has also declared its commitment to combating illegal mining, but critics, including Ayerakwa, say enforcement has been inconsistent, leaving communities exposed and resources unprotected.
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