NACOC Receives GoldBod Reward for Landmark Gold Seizure

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has received GH¢12.65 million from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to support its operational activities following the Commission’s successful seizure of 17 gold bars from illicit gold traders in 2025.

The amount, representing 50 per cent of the proceeds from the sale of the confiscated gold valued at GH¢12,645,862.48, was presented at a ceremony in Accra.

Presenting the cheque, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr Sammy Gyamfi Esq., said the reward formed part of the Board’s incentive policy aimed at encouraging credible intelligence and strengthening collaboration with state security agencies in the fight against illegal gold trading.

He explained that 10 per cent of the proceeds had been allocated to the informant whose intelligence led to the successful operation, while the GoldBod Board of Directors approved an additional 20 per cent for the NACOC officers who participated in the operation in recognition of their bravery, professionalism and sacrifice.

According to him, the remaining 20 per cent was awarded to NACOC as an institution in appreciation of the deployment of personnel and logistical resources that contributed to the success of the operation.

Receiving the cheque, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed appreciation to GoldBod for fulfilling its commitment and reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue collaborating with the Board to combat illegal gold trading and protect the country’s mineral resources.

He stated that although offences related to gold smuggling fall outside NACOC’s core mandate, the Commission would continue to act decisively whenever its officers encountered criminal activity while performing their duties.

He disclosed that the Commission had since made additional arrests involving suspected gold smuggling and illicit currency movements, adding that NACOC personnel stationed at the country’s border posts had intensified surveillance to curb transnational crimes and safeguard Ghana’s borders.

The Director-General also called for stronger collaboration between NACOC and GoldBod, particularly in the areas of border security, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement to dismantle organised criminal networks involved in illegal gold trading.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD