Ghana’s Finance Minister Pledges Full Support to Combat Gold Smuggling
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has committed his ministry’s complete backing to the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) in its campaign against illegal gold smuggling operations across the country.
The minister made this “solemn pledge” during recent discussions about strengthening Ghana’s gold resource management systems. His commitment comes as the West African nation intensifies efforts to protect its valuable mineral exports from illicit trafficking networks.
“I make a solemn pledge to support Goldbod,” Forson stated, emphasizing the government’s determination to tackle the persistent problem of gold smuggling that has plagued Ghana’s mining sector for years.
The Ghana Gold Board serves as the country’s primary regulatory body overseeing gold trading and export activities. The organization has faced ongoing challenges in monitoring illegal gold movements, particularly from small-scale mining operations that often bypass official channels.
Ghana ranks as Africa’s second-largest gold producer, with the precious metal contributing significantly to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings. However, illegal smuggling operations have cost the country millions of dollars in lost revenue annually.
The Finance Minister’s pledge signals increased government cooperation with regulatory agencies to implement stricter oversight measures. This collaborative approach aims to ensure Ghana captures the full economic benefits from its gold resources while maintaining transparency in the mining sector.
The announcement reflects broader government efforts to formalize the country’s mining industry and boost legitimate gold exports.
