NEWS & POLITICS
Ghana crackdown on illegal gold trading operations
The West African nation has pledged to intensify its efforts against illegal gold trading. Ghana, which is Africa's top gold producer, has unveiled plans to recover billions of dollars lost to smuggling over the years.
Noluthando Buthelezi
Ghana (RA) - President John Dramani Mahama launched a dedicated task force supported by military personnel and security forces during a televised ceremony last week.
The GOLDBOD Task Force, a newly established, high-powered enforcement unit, is authorized to disrupt illegal operations and make necessary arrests. The members will also be equipped with body cameras, allowing for real-time monitoring of operations.
Ghana has suffered the effects of illegal mining for decades, leading to environmental challenges such as deforestation and poisoned waterways.
Ghana plans to implement a nationwide gold traceability system and fully transition to refined gold exports by 2026. According to Mahama, this strategy also entails setting up an ISO-certified assay laboratory to verify the quality of gold.
Mahama introduced a 10% reward for individuals who supply the force with actionable information on smuggled gold. He stated that these efforts are part of regional collaborations that are aimed at curbing cross-border smuggling and strengthening economic cooperation among gold-producing nations.
The joint initiative, which includes intelligence-sharing and harmonized export regulations with neighboring countries, is designed to maximize returns from the continent's sold prices and ensure that profits remain within local economies.
