The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has presented GH¢12,645,862.48 to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for its role in an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the seizure of 17 gold bars from illegal gold traders in 2025.
The amount represents 50 percent of proceeds realised from the sale of the confiscated gold and forms part of GoldBod’s incentive scheme aimed at encouraging intelligence gathering and strengthening collaboration with state security agencies in the fight against illegal gold trading.
Speaking at a presentation ceremony held at GoldBod’s headquarters on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, said the reward was in line with the Board’s policy of recognising individuals and institutions whose intelligence and operational efforts lead to the arrest of illegal gold traders and recovery of unlawfully traded gold.
He explained that although the initial policy allocated 10 percent of recovered gold value to informants, the reward framework had been expanded to include officers and institutions involved in enforcement operations.
According to Mr Gyamfi, GoldBod approved an additional 20 percent reward for officers directly involved in intelligence gathering and enforcement, in recognition of the risks they undertake in protecting Ghana’s mineral resources.
He added that NACOC, which provided personnel, logistics and operational support for the successful operation, was allocated another 20 percent, bringing its total reward to 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the seized gold.
Mr Gyamfi disclosed that after assay and valuation, the 17 gold bars were valued at about GH¢25 million, resulting in the payment of GH¢12.6 million to NACOC.
He said the incentive scheme reflects GoldBod’s commitment to promoting intelligence sharing and improving cooperation among security agencies to combat illegal gold trading, smuggling and other offences within the gold value chain.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of NACOC, the Director-General of the Commission, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed appreciation to GoldBod for fulfilling its commitment to reward the successful operation.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of accountability and integrity, adding that it would motivate law enforcement officers involved in protecting Ghana’s strategic resources.
Major General Mantey revealed that the operation came with significant security risks, disclosing that the principal informant, an officer of the Commission, faced serious threats after providing intelligence that led to the arrests and seizure.
He said the threats were severe enough to require military protection for the officer’s safety.
The NACOC Director-General commended the courage and professionalism of the officers involved, noting that although combating illegal gold trading is not the Commission’s primary mandate, it remains committed to supporting GoldBod in the national interest.
He reaffirmed NACOC’s readiness to continue working with GoldBod and other state institutions to tackle illicit activities that deprive the country of revenue.
The presentation forms part of GoldBod’s broader strategy to strengthen enforcement against illegal gold trading through increased collaboration with security agencies and intelligence institutions.
Credit: Adomonline