Whistleblowers Will Get 10% of Seized Illegal Gold- Mahama
In the quest to make the fight against gold smuggling effective with concerted efforts, President John Dramani has announced a 10% allocation to whistleblowers after a successful recovery.
Data shows that in 2022, 60 tonnes of gold estimated at $1.2 billion were lost in the act.
At the inauguration of the GoldBod taskforce on July 8, 2025, President Mahama made a firm commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations, declaring that individuals who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal gold or its cash equivalent will be rewarded with 10% of the seized assets.
“Whistleblower channels are in place, and informants are eligible to receive 10% of the seized gold or the cash value. So, whistleblowers, get ready. If you blow the whistle and gold or money is recovered, you will get 10%.”
The GoldBod Taskforce comprises personnel drawn from the National Security, the military, and other key security agencies.
According to him, members of the taskforce have undergone rigorous training, vetting, polygraph testing, and orientation on the Minerals and Mining Act, 2016 (Act 703, as amended by Act 1040).
In addition, he said the officers had participated in team-building exercises and received anti-corruption training to ensure professionalism and ethical conduct.
These officers will operate under authorization and strict oversight to prevent misconduct, he assured, adding that they will wear body cameras during operations and have their vehicles tracked for monitoring in real-time.
In his speech, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said ruthless action was needed to seal the revenue loophole created by gold smuggling.
“It is estimated that about 600 tonnes of gold have been smuggled out of our country in the last ten years valued at over $12 billion. Imagine $12 billion translating into foreign exchange and supporting Ghana’s reserves position. Or imagine the number of hospitals, schools, water and roads that revenue from these smuggled gold resources could have been used for.”
“It is time for us to be decisive and ruthless towards those who are sabotaging the economy of Ghana. Ghanaians deserve better. Defeating the gold smuggling syndicate will place our country firmly in control of our gold resources, and ensure that Ghana benefits fully from its gold.”
Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
