FRRG raises concerns over GoldBod’s Planned Land reclamation project

By Prince Antwi June 18, 2026

The Forum for Responsible Resource Governance (FRRG) has expressed concerns over the Ghana Gold Board’s (GoldBod) proposed land reclamation initiative, warning that the project could expose the institution to additional financial risks if it proceeds without a clear legal mandate and a well-defined implementation framework.

In a statement, the organisation questioned the rationale behind the planned GH¢36.35 million expenditure, arguing that the project appears to fall outside GoldBod’s core responsibilities as established by law.

According to the FRRG, the proposed environmental restoration programme raises concerns about whether public funds are being deployed in line with the agency’s statutory functions.

The group also referenced what it described as significant financial losses recorded by GoldBod in 2025, suggesting that the institution should exercise greater caution before embarking on another major expenditure.

“The questionable colossal losses incurred by the Ghana Gold Board for the year 2025 in excess of $214 million remain fresh on the minds of Ghanaians,” the statement noted.

The Forum argued that undertaking a large-scale and capital-intensive project without a clearly defined mandate, project design, or implementation framework could heighten concerns about accountability, transparency, and financial oversight.

It further cautioned that the initiative could be perceived as an inefficient use of public resources and called for a thorough review before any commitments are made.

The FRRG urged the relevant authorities to suspend the proposed project pending broader stakeholder engagement, public scrutiny, and clarification of the legal basis for GoldBod’s involvement.

Additionally, the organisation raised concerns about the management of the programme, alleging that the project bears characteristics of what it described as a potential “create, loot and share” arrangement. It called for stronger safeguards to ensure transparency and protect public funds.

The group maintained that any major expenditure by a state institution must be guided by a clear mandate, robust accountability mechanisms, and demonstrable value for money in order to maintain public trust and confidence.