The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has supported the 2026 marking of World Kidney Day, reaffirming its commitment to promoting responsible mining practices and environmentally sustainable sourcing of Ghana’s natural mineral resources.
The event was officially launched on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Burma Hall in Burma Camp, Accra, by the Ghana Armed Forces Health Services, bringing together government officials, health professionals, and institutional partners to highlight the importance of kidney health and environmental protection.
Observed under the theme “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet,” the launch marked the beginning of a month-long series of activities organized by the Ghana Armed Forces.
These activities include diabetes and hypertension screening, kidney health education, and public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging early detection and prevention of kidney-related diseases.
The Minister for Health, Hon. Mintah Akandoh, who served as the guest of honour, officially launched the programme and stressed the urgent need to strengthen support systems for kidney patients in the country.
He urged Ghanaians to take their health seriously by prioritizing regular health screenings and preventive care.
The Minister also commended President John Dramani Mahama for introducing the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as “Mahama Cares,” which is intended to support the treatment of critical illnesses including kidney-related conditions.
According to him, while government interventions such as the Trust Fund are important, partnerships with private institutions remain crucial in expanding access to treatment, particularly given the limited number of dialysis machines available in the country.
Representing the Ghana Gold Board at the event, the Deputy Director for Responsible Mining, Dr. James Germann highlighted GoldBod’s role in promoting responsible mining and safeguarding the environment within Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
According to him, the Ghana Gold Board has the mandate to formalize the artisanal small-scale mining sector.
As part of its mandate, the Goldbod has been tasked to promote responsible mining and it was for that reason that the Goldbod has a whole directorate for Responsible Mining.
Dr. Germann explained that the directorate operates under a responsible sourcing policy designed to guide the sustainable management of the ASM sector.
He said the directorate has a responsible sourcing policy that mandates them to support the Goldbod to manage the ASM sector since their activities are likely to harm the environment and bring about illnesses like that of kidney disease.
The Deputy Director further noted that the directorate is also responsible for promoting environmentally responsible sourcing of Ghana’s precious minerals and strengthening traceability systems within the sector.
He said Goldbod knows the implications of the activities of artisanal small-scale miners on the environment, a reason the outfit is doing a lot of promote and ensure responsible mining so that the environment can be saved.
He added that the Board is also conscious of the potential health implications associated with irresponsible mining practices and has therefore undertaken a number of initiatives aimed at educating miners and supporting them to adopt safer and more sustainable mining practices.
The event was attended by several high-level dignitaries including the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, the Deputy Minister for Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff, alongside other senior officials of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The 37 Military Hospital, the National Petroleum Authority, and several other institutions also partnered in supporting the World Kidney Day activities.
GoldBod’s participation in the programme forms part of its broader commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles within Ghana’s mining sector, particularly through efforts to formalize the ASM industry, promote responsible sourcing, and protect both public health and the environment.
By supporting initiatives such as World Kidney Day, the Ghana Gold Board continues to demonstrate that sustainable mineral governance must go hand-in-hand with the protection of human health and the environment.
