GoldBod has presented GH¢12,645,862.48, million to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), representing 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of 17 gold bars intercepted from illicit gold traders by the Commission in 2025.
The gesture fulfilled a commitment to NACOC and also reward it’s operational activities.
The presentation was made by the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, during a courtesy call by the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and his Management team to the GoldBod headquarters.
This is to strengthen institutional collaboration and discuss border security, intelligence sharing, and the fight against transnational organised crime.
Explaining the reward distribution, GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., stated that under GoldBod’s reward policy, 10% of the proceeds are allocated to the informant whose credible intelligence led to the successful operation.
In recognition of the bravery and sacrifice of the officers involved, the GoldBod Board of Directors approved an additional 20% for the NACOC officers who risked their lives during the operation, while the remaining 20% was awarded to NACOC as an institution for deploying its personnel and resources.
He disclosed that the intercepted gold bars had successfully gone through the validation and forfeiture process and had officially been forfeited to the State.
He noted that while the suspects are currently undergoing the legal process, some accomplices connected to the case remain at large.
Recognising the operational challenges confronting NACOC, the Chief Executive Officer stressed that the Board had approved 50 percent of the proceeds from the forfeited gold, amounting to GH¢12,645,862.48, to support the Commission’s operations.
He commended NACOC for its professionalism, dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting Ghana’s borders.
He also expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership between the two institutions would significantly enhance efforts to combat “illegal gold smuggling, narcotics trafficking” and other forms of cross-border crime.
Receiving the cheque, the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, expressed profound appreciation to GoldBod for honouring its commitment and described the gesture as a major morale booster for the Commission.
He stressed that although gold-related offences do not fall within NACOC’s primary mandate, the Commission remains committed to taking action against any criminal activity encountered during its operations.
“NACOC is a transparent institution, and integrity remains our hallmark. Whenever our officers encounter criminal activities, regardless of whether they involve narcotics or other offences, we will act in the interest of the State,” he stated.
Major General Mantey revealed that the operation leading to the seizure of the 17 gold bars was highly dangerous, noting that one of the officers narrowly escaped an attack and had to be evacuated to Accra through careful planning and swift intervention.
He said that the Commission has since made additional arrests involving suspected gold smuggling and illicit currency movements and assured GoldBod that NACOC officers stationed at the country’s border posts would intensify surveillance to safeguard Ghana’s borders.
The Director-General appealed for closer collaboration between the two institutions, particularly in strengthening border security, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement against organised crime.
Touching on the growing challenge of substance abuse, Major General Mantey called on GoldBod to support NACOC’s public education and drug prevention programmes, especially those targeting young people.
“Our greatest concern today is the increasing impact of narcotic drugs on the youth. We are investing significant effort in prevention and education to help young people stay away from drugs, and we believe stronger partnerships will enable us to reach more communities,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between NACOC and GoldBod would continue to grow for the benefit of Ghana’s national security and socio-economic development.
