By Innocent Samuel Appiah

In a move aimed at strengthening the governance and operations of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the Government of Ghana has appointed a new Managing Director who has vowed to prioritize transparency, stakeholder engagement, and the equitable distribution of the country’s mineral wealth.

Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in the minerals sector, has officially taken the helm of PMMC, succeeding the outgoing Managing Director, Nana Akwasi Awuah. During his formal introduction to the company’s staff, Mr. Gyamfi outlined his vision for the way forward, emphasizing the need for a collaborative and inclusive approach.

“PMMC’s role as the custodian of Ghana’s precious mineral resources is of paramount importance, and I am committed to ensuring that we fulfill this responsibility in a manner that benefits all Ghanaians. This will require strengthening our partnerships with local communities, mining companies, and regulatory bodies, as well as enhancing the overall governance and transparency of our operations,” he noted.

The transition at PMMC comes at a critical juncture, as the country grapples with the complexities of resource governance and the need to ensure that the benefits of mineral wealth are equitably distributed.

Mr. Gyamfi’s appointment is a demonstration to the government’s commitment to professionalizing and strengthening the management of state-owned enterprises, a key priority in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable development.

Mr. Awuah, the outgoing Managing Director, commended the efforts of the PMMC team, highlighting the significant strides made in recent years in areas such as financial management, operational efficiency, and the protection of the company’s core mandate.
“The success we have achieved is a proof of the hard work and dedication of each and every one of you. I have no doubt that with Sammy at the helm, this company will continue to thrive and reach new heights,” said Mr. Awuah.

Mr. Gyamfi, who brings a wealth of legal expertise and a deep understanding of the minerals sector, has vowed to work tirelessly to uphold the core values and objectives of PMMC, which include the effective regulation and marketing of Ghana’s precious minerals.

“My primary focus will be to ensure that PMMC remains a trusted custodian of the country’s mineral wealth, while also exploring new avenues for growth and diversification. We have a responsibility to the people of Ghana to maximize the benefits of our natural resources and to do so in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with the national interest,” the new MD opined.

One of the key priorities for the new Managing Director will be strengthening the company’s engagement with local communities, a critical aspect of ensuring the equitable distribution of mineral wealth.

“Collaboration and open communication will be at the heart of my approach,” Mr. Gyamfi explained. “We cannot achieve our objectives in isolation, and I am committed to fostering an environment of mutual understanding and shared purpose with the people who live in the shadow of these lucrative mining operations.”
Mr. Gyamfi, who is also the Communications Officer of the National democratic Congress has also pledged to work closely with the relevant government authorities to align PMMC’s operations with the broader initiatives to enhance the governance and management of the country’s extractive industries.
“His Excellency, the President has entrusted me with the task of driving forward the necessary reforms and institutional strengthening at PMMC. I am acutely aware of the gravity of this responsibility, and I am ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that we deliver on this mandate,” said Mr. Gyamfi.
Joycelyn Mends-Ainoo, the Director of Human Resources and Administration at PMMC, expressed her confidence in the new leadership, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a seamless transition for the benefit of the company’s operations and its employees.
“We are excited to welcome Sammy Gyamfi to the PMMC family. His expertise, coupled with his dedication to the company’s mission, make him the ideal candidate to lead us into the future. We pledge our full support and commitment to working alongside him to achieve our shared goals,” said Mrs. Mends-Ainoo.
As the new Managing Director takes the helm, PMMC employees have expressed their optimism and eagerness to contribute to the company’s continued growth and success.
“This is a new chapter for PMMC, and we are ready to embrace the challenge,” said a senior officer at the company. “With Mr. Sammy’s leadership and our collective efforts, I am confident that we will strengthen PMMC’s position as a vital institution in Ghana’s minerals sector.”
The transition at PMMC marks a critical moment in the country’s efforts to ensure that the benefits of its natural resource wealth are equitably distributed and that the interests of local communities are prioritized. Gyamfi’s appointment and his commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and institutional reform underscore the government’s recognition of the need for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to mineral resource governance.

As Sammy Gyamfi embarks on his tenure as the new Managing Director of PMMC, the eyes of the nation will be firmly fixed on the company’s performance, with high expectations for continued excellence and the realization of the government’s strategic vision for the minerals sector. The successful implementation of Gyamfi’s inclusive agenda will be crucial in restoring public trust and fostering a more equitable and sustainable mining industry in Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama appointed Sammy Gyamfi as the acting MD of the Precious PMMC. His appointment comes with a crucial mandate: to oversee the establishment of the Ghana Gold Borad (GOLDBOD), a new entity dedicated to gold trading. He is a lawyer and Economic Policy Analyst with a BSc in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Law from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
He holds a Barrister at Law certificate from the Ghana School of Law and an MA in Economic Policy Management from the University of Ghana. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School with Executive Certificates in the Emerging Leaders and Strategic Leadership Programmes.
The GoldBod is one of the top priorities of the Mahama administration aimed at economic revitalization and shall, among other things, be responsible for the sustainable management and marketing of the country’s gold resources for the benefit of the Ghanaian people. It will include formalizing the small-scale gold mining sector and providing mining support services for the industry.
Mr. Sammy Gyamfi has previously worked with Exton Cubic Group Limited, a reputable mining company in Ghana, and is the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress.