Mahama Announces Reward For Exposing Illegal Gold Trade; promises 10% for whistle blowers

President John Mahama has announced a new incentive plan aimed at combating illegal gold dealing in Ghana, with a 10% reward for whistleblowers who submit genuine information that leads to arrests and gold seizures.

Speaking during the official inauguration of the Ghana Gold Board Task Force in Accra on July 8, 2025, the President declared that anyone who reports unlawful gold transactions that result in recovered gold or cash will earn 10% of the sum.

“Anyone who blows the whistle is eligible to receive 10 percent of the seized gold or cash value. So, whistleblowers, get ready. If you report someone and gold or cash is retrieved, you will receive 10% of its value,” President Mahama announced.

In addition, he warned the newly established task force members not to abuse their position of authority.

“To the task force, let me be clear: abuse of authority will not be tolerated. Any officer found engaging in misconduct will face immediate sanctions, including possible dismissal, prosecution, and forfeiture of entitlements,” he warned.

President Mahama emphasized that the government is serious about enforcing the Gold Board Act, which prohibits unlicensed gold trading and bars foreigners from buying gold on the local market.

“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,” he stated.

Violators of the Act face severe penalties, including fines of up to 2.4 million Ghana cedis, imprisonment for five to ten years, or both.

“You could face a prison sentence and still be required to pay the fine. This is a clear warning to those involved in the illicit gold trade,” the President cautioned.