GoldBod rewards NACOC with GH¢12.65 Million following major illegal gold bust

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has presented a GH¢12.65 million reward package to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) following the successful seizure and subsequent sale of 17 gold bars confiscated from illegal gold traders in 2025.

The presentation, made in Accra, forms part of GoldBod’s reward framework aimed at encouraging intelligence-led operations, recognising the sacrifices of security personnel, and strengthening inter-agency efforts to combat illicit gold trading across the country.

Speaking during the presentation, Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, explained that the GH¢12.65 million represents 50 percent of the proceeds realised from the sale of the confiscated gold bars.

He outlined the Board’s reward-sharing formula, noting that 10 percent of the proceeds has been allocated to the informant whose credible intelligence led to the successful interception of the gold.

According to him, the contribution of whistleblowers remains critical in dismantling illegal gold trading networks and protecting the country’s mineral wealth.

Mr. Gyamfi further disclosed that GoldBod’s Board of Directors approved an additional 20 percent of the proceeds as a special reward for the NACOC officers who participated in the operation, in recognition of the risks they undertook and their professionalism in executing the mission.

The remaining 20 percent, he said, was presented to NACOC as an institution to support its continued operational efforts and acknowledge the deployment of personnel and logistical resources that contributed to the successful operation.

He reiterated GoldBod’s commitment to working closely with state security agencies to enforce mining and gold trading regulations, stressing that rewarding credible intelligence and operational excellence remains central to the institution’s strategy for tackling illegal activities within the gold sector.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Commission, Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed appreciation to GoldBod for honouring its commitment under the reward policy.

He described the gesture as a strong demonstration of government agencies working together towards a common national objective and assured GoldBod of NACOC’s continued support in the fight against illegal gold trading and other transnational organised crimes.

Major General Mantey noted that strengthening collaboration between security institutions and regulatory agencies is essential to protecting Ghana’s natural resources and ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to national development.

The reward presentation highlights GoldBod’s broader strategy of promoting accountability, incentivising actionable intelligence, and fostering stronger partnerships with law enforcement agencies to curb illegal gold trading and safeguard Ghana’s gold resources for current and future generations.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith