In a decisive move against gold smuggling and transnational economic crime, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has handed over 17 gold bars worth $1.7 million to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), following their seizure at the Paga Border Post in the Upper East Region.
The handover, which took place at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra, marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illegal gold trade and ensure national control over mineral resources.
Smuggling Foiled at Border
The gold bars were confiscated by NACOC officers from two Burkinabe nationals who attempted to smuggle them across the Paga border. According to NACOC sources, the individuals were intercepted during a routine operation and were unable to produce documentation authorizing the export or handling of the gold. They have since been charged with offences relating to illegal transportation and unauthorized dealing in gold.
While NACOC is primarily mandated to combat narcotics trafficking, its intervention in this case underscores a growing mandate in tackling broader transnational crimes, especially where proceeds are suspected to be laundered or tied to illicit trade routes.
High-Level Handover Ceremony
At the official handover ceremony, Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting GoldBod in managing the country’s gold resources more effectively.
“GoldBod plays a crucial role in ensuring that Ghana’s gold economy is secure, transparent, and beneficial to the people of Ghana. This handover is a testament to what effective inter-agency collaboration can achieve,” the Minister stated.
The ceremony was attended by Mrs. Doreen Annan, Chief Director of the Ministry, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, and other senior officials from both NACOC and GoldBod.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
Receiving the gold bars, GoldBod CEO, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, commended NACOC for its vigilance and professionalism. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among security and regulatory institutions to combat illegal gold trade, which continues to threaten Ghana’s mining sector and fiscal integrity.
“This seizure not only protects our national resources but also sends a strong message to criminal networks exploiting our borders. We must continue to work together to eliminate such threats,” Mr. Sammy Gyamfi said.
Strengthening National Control Over Gold
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is responsible for the strategic regulation and oversight of Ghana’s gold trade. The seizure and safe transfer of these assets reflect increasing government oversight over the mineral value chain and reinforce the country’s commitment to ethical gold sourcing and national security.
Analysts say the interception of gold from foreign nationals also raises important questions about border surveillance, mineral traceability, and the vulnerabilities within Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining corridors.
As investigations continue, security experts are calling for stronger cross-border intelligence sharing, especially along Ghana’s northern frontier, to curb illegal extraction and smuggling of the country’s mineral wealth.
By Victor Lavor
