President Mahama Announces Whistleblower Reward Scheme to Combat Gold Smuggling

By Joylinda Laryea/ July 8, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a bold new initiative by the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) aimed at curbing illegal gold smuggling in the country. Speaking at a national mining forum in Accra, the President revealed that GOLDBOD has launched dedicated whistleblower channels to encourage the public to report gold smuggling activities.

Under the new scheme, informants who provide credible and actionable intelligence leading to the recovery of smuggled gold will receive 10% of the recovered gold or its cash equivalent as a reward.

“This is a strategic move to empower citizens in the fight against gold smuggling, which continues to rob the nation of vital revenue and undermines our mining sector,” President Mahama said.

The whistleblower channels, according to officials, will include confidential hotlines and secure digital reporting platforms, all managed directly by GOLDBOD in collaboration with national security agencies.

Gold smuggling has been a longstanding challenge in Ghana’s mineral sector, with significant quantities of gold illegally exported without going through the appropriate state channels. The President emphasized that the new policy is part of broader efforts to sanitize the gold export value chain, increase transparency, and boost state revenue.

“This initiative will not only deter smugglers but also incentivize patriotic citizens to take an active role in protecting our national resources,” Mahama noted.

The announcement has been welcomed by industry stakeholders and anti-corruption groups, who say the success of the initiative will depend on swift enforcement and the protection of whistleblowers from potential retaliation.

GOLDBOD is expected to roll out a national sensitization campaign to inform the public about the new channels and how to report suspected illegal gold trade activities safely and anonymously.