The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour in its ongoing clampdown on illegal gold trad
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favour in its ongoing clampdown on illegal gold trading and smuggling activities.
The assurance was given by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Richard Nunekpeku, who declared that the agency will not bow to political pressure or external influence in the discharge of its duties.
Speaking in Accra following the recent arrest of 25 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gold trading, Nunekpeku emphasized that the agency’s operations are guided strictly by law, transparency, and fairness.
“At GoldBod, if you fall foul of the law, we don’t recognize any party colour. We will not succumb to pressure from any quarters,” he asserted.
“We respect the rights of every individual we arrest, provide them the opportunity to defend themselves, and allow them legal representation in court.”
The Deputy CEO’s remarks come amid heightened national attention on illicit gold trade, a challenge that has long undermined the gold sector and deprived the state of millions in revenue.
Over the past decade, illegal gold smuggling rings — often operating with political backing — have been blamed for leaking significant volumes of unaccounted gold through unapproved routes, particularly to neighbouring countries and foreign buyers.
He disclosed that, since the establishment of GoldBod, the agency has maintained a strong reputation for independence, noting that no political interference has been recorded so far.
“The message has gone down well with everyone, and we have not been receiving such calls,” he said, adding that this autonomy has strengthened the agency’s resolve to deliver on its mandate.
He further noted that GoldBod will continue to collaborate closely with national security agencies, the police, and the judiciary to ensure that all offenders are duly prosecuted.
“We will not, in any way or manner, release or deal with anybody because a call had come from anywhere,” he warned.
The Ghana Gold Board, established to sanitize and regulate the small-scale gold sector, has in recent months intensified monitoring and enforcement operations to combat smuggling and illegal trading.
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