PMMC rebrand into GoldBod worsening illegal mining

The Minority in Parliament has blamed the rebranding of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) into GoldBod for worsening illegal mining activities, warning that the policy shift is accelerating environmental destruction across the country.

Jerry Ahmed argued that, rather than strengthening regulation and enforcement in the gold sector, the government has focused on renaming and restructuring institutions without addressing the real issues on the ground.

“All that this government knows how to do is rebranding. PMMC was changed to GoldBod, and now even the Finance Minister is giving it another name. What are they doing? They are encouraging galamsey,” he said during debate on the 2026 State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

The Minority also raised concerns over galamsey’s impact on national infrastructure, particularly hydroelectric power generation. Jerry Ahmed referenced media reports that silt from illegal mining is choking turbines at the Bui Dam, threatening electricity supply.

“We are trading 24-hour electricity for a few bars of gold. DCEs and MCEs in these mining areas are all involved in galamsey,” he alleged, describing the situation as a national security emergency.

Beyond environmental concerns, the Deputy Minority Chief Whip criticised the financial management of GoldBod. He alleged that while the state suffers massive losses, public officials prioritise extravagant foreign trips.

“Mr. Speaker, this is what is happening. This is the kind of settings that we are dealing with. Settings everywhere under the leadership of President Mahama,” he said.

The Weija-Gbawe lawmaker warned that illegal mining has become widespread, with devastating consequences for forests, water bodies and communities. Highlighting the growing environmental destruction in several mining areas, including Bole, the President’s hometown, Jerry Ahmed said abandoned pits have become death traps for residents.

“If we don’t take care, including yourself, Mr Speaker, we may not be found alive in the next 20 years,” he cautioned, underscoring the severity of environmental pollution and land degradation.