The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has presented GH¢12,645,862.48 to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) after fulfilling its commitment to reward the Commission with 50 per cent of the proceeds realised from the forfeiture of 17 gold bars intercepted during a major anti-smuggling operation in 2025.
The presentation was made by GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, during a courtesy call by NACOC Director-General, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and his management team at the Board’s headquarters. The meeting focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, border security, intelligence sharing and the fight against transnational organised crime.
Mr Gyamfi disclosed that the intercepted gold bars had successfully undergone the validation and forfeiture process and had been officially forfeited to the State.
He noted that while the suspects arrested in connection with the case are undergoing trial, some accomplices remain at large.
Explaining the reward package, the GoldBod CEO said the Board approved 50 per cent of the proceeds from the forfeited gold to support NACOC’s operations and recognise the Commission’s contribution to the successful interception.
He revealed that the reward was shared among key stakeholders involved in the operation. Ten per cent was paid to the whistleblower whose intelligence triggered the operation, while 20 per cent was allocated to the NACOC officers who carried out the raid in recognition of the risks they faced.
The remaining 20 per cent was awarded to NACOC as an institution to support its operational activities and acknowledge the deployment of personnel and logistics that made the operation possible.
Mr Gyamfi described the reward policy as part of GoldBod’s broader strategy to encourage intelligence-led operations, motivate security agencies and strengthen public cooperation in the fight against illegal gold trading, which continues to deny the country significant revenue. He also commended NACOC for its professionalism and dedication, expressing confidence that stronger collaboration between the two institutions would help curb gold smuggling, narcotics trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
Receiving the cheque, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey thanked GoldBod for honouring its commitment, describing the gesture as a major morale booster for the Commission.
He stressed that although gold-related offences are outside NACOC’s core mandate, the Commission will continue to act against any criminal activity encountered during its operations.
“NACOC is a transparent institution, and integrity remains our hallmark.
Whenever our officers encounter criminal activities, regardless of whether they involve narcotics or other offences, we will act in the interest of the State,” he said.
The Director-General disclosed that the operation leading to the seizure of the 17 gold bars was highly dangerous, revealing that one officer narrowly escaped an attack and had to be evacuated to Accra through a carefully coordinated rescue operation.
He further revealed that NACOC has since made additional arrests involving suspected gold smuggling and illicit currency movements and assured GoldBod that officers stationed at the country’s border posts would intensify surveillance to prevent illegal trade.
Major General Mantey also called for deeper collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in intelligence sharing, border security and coordinated enforcement. He appealed to GoldBod to support NACOC’s public education and drug prevention campaigns aimed at addressing the growing menace of substance abuse among young people.
The meeting ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation to combat organised crime, protect Ghana’s mineral resources and safeguard the country’s economic and national security interests.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
