Government Unveils 10% Reward for Whistleblowers Exposing Gold Smuggling

 

Accra, Ghana – July 8, 2025 – In a bold move to combat the rampant issue of gold smuggling and bolster national revenue, the Ghanaian government has announced a significant incentive for whistleblowers: a 10% reward of any seized cash or gold directly resulting from their information. This new policy aims to empower citizens to report illicit gold trade activities, which have long cost the nation billions in lost revenue.

The announcement, made by [Name and Title of Government Official, e.g., the Minister of Finance or a spokesperson from the Gold Board/Minerals Commission], highlights the government's intensified efforts to formalize the gold sector and ensure the country benefits fully from its rich mineral resources. Gold smuggling, particularly from the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, has been identified as a major drain on the economy, with reports indicating billions of dollars lost in recent years.

"We are sending a clear message: gold smuggling will no longer be tolerated," stated [Official's Name]. "This 10% reward is a testament to our commitment to engaging every Ghanaian in this fight. We believe that by incentivizing public participation, we can significantly disrupt these illegal networks and recover vital resources for national development."

The new reward scheme is expected to work in conjunction with existing anti-smuggling measures, including the recently established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which has been tasked with regulating the gold trade, enhancing traceability, and maximizing mineral revenue. GoldBod has already introduced stricter licensing requirements, deployed enforcement teams, and is exploring advanced technologies like drone surveillance to detect illegal gold movement.

Details on the precise mechanism for reporting and verification are expected to be unveiled soon, but the government assures potential whistleblowers of confidentiality and protection under the existing Whistleblower Act, 2006 (Act 720), which provides legal safeguards against victimization for those who disclose improprieties.

Ghana has long grappled with the challenge of illicit gold trade, with a recent report by Swiss NGO Swissaid revealing an estimated $11.4 billion in losses from artisanal mining gold smuggling between 2019 and 2023. Much of this undeclared gold is believed to be rerouted through neighboring countries before reaching international markets, particularly the United Arab Emirates.

By offering a direct financial incentive, the government hopes to tap into a wellspring of intelligence from within communities and the gold supply chain itself, making it more difficult for smugglers to operate undetected. This initiative is seen as a crucial step in the broader strategy to formalize the artisanal mining sector, increase declared gold exports, and ultimately, strengthen Ghana's foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.

The success of this new policy will depend on robust implementation, public awareness, and the continued assurance of whistleblower protection. The government urges all citizens to play their part in safeguarding Ghana's precious resources and contributing to a more transparent and prosperous future.