Gold smugglers to face tougher crackdown under new GoldBod bill – Sammy Gyamfi

Sammy Gyamfi is the Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). He recently discussed the upcoming GoldBod Bill. This bill aims to give special powers to combat illegal gold smuggling in Ghana.

Gyamfi expressed concern about the lack of a dedicated agency for this issue. Currently, enforcement relies on general security agencies. He spoke about this on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday.

He stated, “We are not enforcing the law on gold smuggling.” He added that there is no specific agency focused on this fight. Instead, it has been left to normal security forces.

The GoldBod Bill will change this situation. It will grant special powers to GoldBod inspectors. These inspectors can be appointed and act independently against offenders.

Once passed, they can seize gold and impound it if illegal trading is suspected. They can also go to court for warrants themselves.

Gyamfi believes this bill will significantly impact the fight against gold smuggling. He said, “This is going to be special.”

He hopes for quick passage and presidential assent for the bill. While he acknowledges that complete elimination of smuggling isn’t possible, he expects arrests and prosecutions to increase.

The GoldBod Bill aims to create a structured legal framework for regulating gold trading in Ghana.