Parliament passes Ghana GoldBod Bill after minority walkout

In a dramatic late-night session, Ghana’s Parliament passed the Ghana GoldBold Bill, 2025, at 3:10 a.m., despite opposition from the Minority, who staged a walkout in protest.

Details of the Ghana GoldBod Bill

The bill aims to establish the Ghana GoldBod to regulate and oversee gold trading and management in the country. Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga hailed the legislation as a significant achievement.

A landmark piece of legislation: Majority leader’s statement

Ayariga, speaking after the bill’s passage, described it as a “landmark legislation.” He emphasized the pride of those who participated in the late-night session. “We have vindicated the trust and confidence Ghanaians reposed in us. Indeed, the 24-hour economy has started in this chamber,” he said.

Opposition from the minority: Walkout in protest

The Minority, however, strongly opposed the bill and staged a walkout. The First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, had refused their request to reconvene at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, to further discuss the bill after the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Minority leader’s criticism: Prioritizing illegal mining

Minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin voiced strong concerns after the walkout, accusing the government of prioritizing illegal mining (galamsey) over more pressing economic policies. “Our friends in government made some promises. Today, they are now the Apostles who are promoting galamsey,” he stated.

Concerns over allocation of funds

Afenyo-Markin also criticized the government’s allocation of GHC 4.6 billion to the new policy, suggesting that these funds could have been better spent on agriculture, women’s banking, or the 24-hour economy initiative, instead of supporting illegal mining.

Awaiting presidential assent

Despite the controversy, the Ghana Gold Board Bill now awaits presidential assent to become law. While the government insists that the board will help formalize the sector and combat illegal mining, the Minority’s strong opposition indicates that the political debate over its impact is far from over.