President John Dramani Mahama has announced a lucrative 10 per cent gold or cash reward for whistleblowers whose information would lead to the arrest of syndicates involved in illegal gold trade.At the launch of the Gold Board Task Force in Accra yesterday, President Mahama said government would not compromise on brutally dealing with anyone who would be caught in illegal gold trade."Let this serve as a warning to all those involved in gold smuggling and illegal trade: the law will be enforced without fear or favour.
The Gold Board Act prohibits unlicensed trading and bans foreigners from purchasing gold on the local market.President Mahama inspecting a pararde at the inauguration of the GoldBod task force"Any breach of this Act could lead to a hefty fine of up to GH¢2.4 million or imprisonment of 5-10 years, or both," the President stated.President Mahama's warning comes on back of recent arrests made by the national security of some Indian and Chinese nationals for allegedly engaging in illegal gold trade and smuggling activities.The Gold Board Task Force is made up of personnel drawn from the military, police and national security.
They have undergone rigorous vetting, polygraph testing, orientation on the Gold Board Act, and completed intensive team-building and anti-corruption training.All members of the Task Force would wear body cameras, vehicles GPS-tracked and monitored in real time and a written warrant from the CEO is required before any field operation."Let me be clear: abuse of authority will not be tolerated.
Any officer found engaging in misconduct will face immediate sanctions, including dismissal, prosecution, and forfeiture of all entitlements," President Mahana told members of the Task Force."You have been entrusted with extraordinary responsibility.
