Ghana sets up gold smuggling taskforce — Here’s what you need to know
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has launched a national enforcement task force to combat illicit gold trade routes used by unlicensed miners and smugglers, particularly in areas plagued by galamsey activities.
The task force was inaugurated in Accra on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, where the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, cautioned that any member found engaging in corruption or misconduct would be dismissed immediately.
“With support in record time, we’ve been able to pass the Gold Board Act,” Mr Gyamfi said. “But all these powers given to us by the Parliament of Ghana and the people of Ghana mean very little without enforcement. That is why this task force exists.”
Under the Gold Board Act, GoldBod is the only state institution authorised to purchase all gold produced by artisanal and small-scale miners. It also holds pre-emption rights over a portion of gold from large-scale mining companies.
The newly inaugurated task force will be deployed to enforce this mandate across mining communities and along known smuggling routes.
Mr Gyamfi stated that the task force’s work would extend beyond intercepting smuggled gold to include monitoring licensed miners and traders to ensure they operate within the bounds of the law.
He highlighted that over 300 licences have been issued through a digital platform designed to eliminate human interference and reduce opportunities for bribery or extortion.
“We will protect and support those of you who want to do your work effectively,” he told the officers. “But we will also deal ruthlessly with anyone who brings the name of the government and the nation into disrepute.”
Mr Gyamfi emphasised that Ghana’s pricing system for purchasing gold from small-scale miners is designed to be competitive and fair. He said GoldBod offers spot prices converted to Ghana cedis at the prevailing interbank exchange rate.
“This does not even happen in Dubai or India,” he said. “We are giving miners the best possible price—not black market rates, but fair and transparent ones.”
He further disclosed that the task force had been equipped with the necessary logistics and training, and that land had been secured near Kotoka International Airport for the construction of a permanent head office for the Gold Board.
Mr Gyamfi called on all Ghanaians, including miners and traders, to comply with the law and report any misconduct by task force members.
“This is not just about gold,” he stated. “It’s about protecting our national wealth and securing a better economic future for all Ghanaians.”
