By Issah Olegor
In a significant development underscoring Ghana’s commitment to combatting gold smuggling and safeguarding its mineral wealth, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has officially handed over 17 gold bars, valued at approximately $1.7 million, to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The ceremony took place at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra and marks a critical step in inter-agency cooperation in securing the country’s natural resources.
The seized gold bars were intercepted by NACOC officers stationed at the Paga Border Post in the Upper East Region.
The operation, according to officials, thwarted an attempted smuggling effort by two Burkinabe nationals who were allegedly trying to transport the gold out of Ghana without proper authorization.
The suspects have since been charged with offences related to the illegal transportation and dealing in gold.
While NACOC’s core mandate traditionally focuses on narcotics-related offences, this seizure highlights the Commission’s expanding role in broader transnational crimes, including illegal mineral trafficking.
The successful operation has drawn praise from government officials and strengthened calls for greater collaboration between national security institutions and regulatory bodies.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the work of GoldBod, the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the trade and management of Ghana’s gold resources.
“We are determined to ensure that Ghana’s natural wealth benefits the people of this country. The Ministry of the Interior, together with our security agencies, will continue to provide all the necessary support to protect our gold from illegal exploitation,” the Minister stated.
GoldBod Calls for Stronger Collaboration
Receiving the gold bars, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi commended NACOC headed by Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey and its leadership for the critical interception and the seamless handover process.
He emphasized the need for continued inter-agency collaboration, particularly at border points, to curb smuggling activities that undermine Ghana’s economic stability and revenue collection.
“We are very grateful to the Director-General of NACOC and his team for their vigilance and professionalism.”
“This handover is a clear demonstration of what we can achieve through cooperation. We must deepen the ties between security agencies and regulatory institutions to strengthen oversight and enforcement,” Gyamfi noted.
