Mahama Launches GoldBod Taskforce, Promises 10% Reward to Whistleblowers
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that individuals who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illegal gold or its cash equivalent will be rewarded with 10% of the seized assets.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 8, during the official inauguration of the GoldBod Taskforce at the National Security Secretariat in Accra.
“Whistleblower channels are in place, and informants are eligible to receive 10% of the seized gold or the cash value. So, whistleblowers, get ready. If you blow the whistle and gold or money is recovered, you will get 10%,” he declared.
President Mahama said the establishment of the task force signals his administration’s commitment to tackling gold smuggling and corruption within the extractive sector, stressing that the task force represents a bold and decisive approach to protecting Ghana’s natural resources.
The GoldBod Taskforce, according to the president, comprises personnel drawn from the National Security, the military, and other key security agencies. Members of the taskforce, he said, have undergone rigorous training, vetting, polygraph testing, and orientation on the Minerals and Mining Act, 2016 (Act 703, as amended by Act 1040).
He added that the officers have also participated in team-building exercises and received anti-corruption training to ensure professionalism and ethical conduct.
President Mahama emphasised that all members of the task force will operate under strict oversight to prevent misconduct. He announced that officers will wear body cameras during every operation and that all vehicles used will be GPS-tracked and monitored in real time.
He further stressed that no field operation can be carried out without proper authorisation.
“A written warrant from the CEO is required before any field operation is undertaken,” he cautioned.
