Egyapa Mercer Condemns Mahama’s Proposal to Buy Gold from Illegal Miners

Former Minister for Tourism and former Member of Parliament for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has strongly criticized former President John Dramani Mahama over a recent proposal involving the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).

In an interview on Thursday, September 11, Mercer described Mahama’s suggestion—that the government should purchase gold from illegal small-scale miners (commonly known as galamseyers)—as “deeply troubling” and a significant setback to Ghana’s efforts to eliminate illegal mining.

Mahama’s Proposal

Former President Mahama recently proposed that the GoldBod should buy all gold produced in Ghana, including that mined through illegal small-scale operations. According to him, because the country's mineral resources belong to the state, the government should harness all gold production to strengthen national reserves and improve economic resilience.

Mercer’s Response

Mercer firmly opposed the proposal, warning that it would legitimize illegal mining and undermine national efforts to combat its harmful consequences. He highlighted the severe environmental impact of galamsey, including the degradation of rivers, forests, and farmlands.

“If the President himself proposes that the government buy gold from illegal miners, what message are we sending?” Mercer questioned. “Are we now saying it’s acceptable to destroy our rivers, forests, and farmlands as long as the state profits from the gold? That completely undermines the national effort to combat galamsey.”

He stressed that the Ghana Gold Board must only purchase gold from licensed small-scale and large-scale miners who operate within the confines of the law and follow environmental regulations.

“Our focus should be on supporting legal mining operations and ensuring strict enforcement of mining regulations,” Mercer added. “State-sanctioned purchases from galamseyers will only embolden illegal activity and erode the hard-won progress in protecting our environment.”

Mercer’s remarks contribute to the broader national debate on sustainable resource management and the appropriate strategies for addressing illegal mining in Ghana.

Source: The Ghana Report

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