In a decisive move to strengthen the fight against gold smuggling, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal gold or its cash equivalent will be rewarded with 10% of the seized assets.
Addressing the inauguration of the newly established GoldBod Taskforce, President Mahama emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in combating illicit gold trade. He revealed that in 2022 alone, Ghana lost an estimated 60 tonnes of gold valued at approximately $1.2 billion to smuggling activities.
“Whistleblower channels are now in place, and informants stand to receive 10% of the value of any recovered gold or cash. We encourage all Ghanaians to come forward with information that will help us recover these stolen resources,” the President stated.
The GoldBod Taskforce is composed of personnel from the National Security apparatus, the military, and other key security agencies. President Mahama highlighted that members of the taskforce have undergone extensive training, including vetting, polygraph testing, and orientation on the Minerals and Mining Act, 2016 (Act 703, as amended by Act 1040). They have also participated in team-building and anti-corruption workshops to ensure professionalism and ethical conduct.
To maintain operational integrity, the officers will work under strict oversight, equipped with body cameras during field operations, and their vehicles will be monitored in real-time.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, speaking at the event, underscored the urgent need for decisive action to close the revenue gap caused by gold smuggling. “Over the past decade, approximately 600 tonnes of gold valued at over $12 billion have been smuggled out of Ghana. This loss has deprived our economy of vital foreign exchange that could have supported hospitals, schools, water projects, and roads,” he said.
Minister Forson added, “It is time to be ruthless against those sabotaging Ghana’s economy. Defeating the gold smuggling syndicate will ensure our country fully benefits from its natural resources and strengthens our economic sovereignty.”
The launch of the GoldBod Taskforce marks a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to safeguard its mineral wealth and enhance revenue collection for national development.