President John Dramani Mahama has indicated that government is willing to give 10 percent of seized gold or its cash value to persons who blow the whistle on anybody engaged in illegal mining.
“If you blow the whistle on anybody engaged in illegal mining, you are eligible to receive 10 percent of the seized gold or cash value,” he said.
The President said this when he officially inaugurated the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) Task Force at a ceremony held at Jubilee House, describing the move as a “defining moment” in Ghana’s efforts to reclaim control of its gold industry and curb rampant smuggling.
The Task Force, formed under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), is a major step in operationalising the government’s gold sector reform agenda. Comprising vetted personnel from national security, the military, and other law enforcement agencies, the team has been tasked with enforcing transparency and accountability across the gold value chain, particularly within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
A Strategic Economic Intervention
President Mahama stated that the establishment of the Task Force marks the transition “from policy to implementation,” positioning GOLDBOD as a cornerstone of economic transformation, foreign exchange stabilisation, and mineral resource governance.
“This is not just a security initiative. It is a national economic transformation project,” he said, emphasizing that Ghana, despite being the continent’s leading gold producer, has not adequately benefited from the resource.
Combatting Gold Smuggling
In a strong warning to smugglers and illegal traders, the President disclosed that Ghana had lost over $11.4 billion in gold through unrecorded exports over the last five years. He stressed that the era of unchecked smuggling was over.
“The law will be enforced without fear or favour,” President Mahama declared. “Unlicensed trading and foreign involvement in local purchases are banned under the new law, with offenders facing up to 10 years in prison or fines of GHS 2.4 million.”
A New Model for Gold Governance
President Mahama noted that the Ghana Gold Board now has exclusive rights to purchase and export all gold from the ASM sector and holds pre-emptive rights in the large-scale mining sector. GOLDBOD will also oversee a centralised, transparent gold trading system, similar to that of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
According to the President, the results are already evident. In just five months of interim operations, GOLDBOD has exported over 51 tonnes of gold—surpassing large-scale mining exports for the first time—generating nearly $5 billion in revenue.
“These inflows have boosted our reserves, stabilised the cedi, and demonstrated the potential of formalising small-scale mining,” he added.
Strict Oversight and Accountability
The President also outlined strict oversight protocols for Task Force operations, including mandatory body cameras for all personnel, GPS-monitored vehicles, and written warrants for field deployments. Whistleblowers will be rewarded with 10% of any recovered gold or cash value.
“Any officer found engaging in misconduct will face immediate sanctions—dismissal, prosecution, and forfeiture of all entitlements,” he warned.
Building a Sustainable Gold Economy
Beyond enforcement, President Mahama revealed plans for an ISO-certified assay lab by 2026 and a “Gold Village” manufacturing hub to boost local refining and jewellery production. GOLDBOD will also implement a nationwide traceability system to ensure every gram of gold can be tracked to its legal source.
Programs like “Blue Water” and “Tree for Life” will support environmental restoration and land reclamation efforts.
A Call to Integrity
In his closing remarks, President Mahama charged Task Force members to carry out their duties with discipline and honour.
“This is not business as usual. It is a matter of national duty and pride. The Ghanaian people are watching, and so is the world,” he said, before formally declaring the Ghana Gold Board Task Force inaugurated.
The move reinforces the government’s broader effort to restore integrity to Ghana’s extractive industries and ensure that mineral wealth benefits all citizens.
