The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has held consultations with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on the proposed Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Formalisation and Financing Support Programme, which is scheduled for implementation in 2027.
The engagement forms part of GoldBod’s stakeholder consultations to gather technical input and recommendations ahead of the programme’s consideration by Cabinet and Parliament.
The meeting was led by GoldBod’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nunekpeku, while the UMaT delegation was headed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bernard Kumi-Boateng.
Mr. Nunekpeku explained that the proposed programme is a broader government intervention designed to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining operations, improve miners’ access to structured financing and promote responsible mining practices.
He stressed the importance of engaging relevant institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure that their expertise and perspectives inform the programme before it proceeds to the next stages of consideration.
Prof Kumi-Boateng, on his part, pledged UMaT’s technical expertise and institutional support towards the development and implementation of the initiative.
GoldBod is expected to extend the consultations to other key institutions, including the Minerals Commission, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Water Resources Commission.
Other relevant stakeholders will also be engaged as part of efforts to gather broad-based input for the proposed programme.
The consultations are intended to strengthen the programme’s technical and institutional foundation ahead of its planned implementation in 2027.
