GoldBod bill will give powers to appointed inspectors to arrest gold smugglers - Sammy Gyamfi

The acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Sammy Gyamfi, spoke about the GoldBod Bill. He said it will give special powers to inspectors. These inspectors will help stop illegal gold smuggling.

Mr. Gyamfi appeared on JoyNews PM Express on Tuesday, March 25. He noted that Ghana struggles with enforcing gold smuggling laws. Currently, no specific agency is responsible for this issue.

"We are not enforcing the law on gold smuggling," he said. "We don't know which agency fights against it."

He explained that enforcement has been left to regular security agencies. The new bill will change this by giving GoldBod special powers. This includes appointing GoldBod inspectors.

These inspectors will have authority similar to police officers. They can conduct searches and demand documentation. They can also seize illegally traded gold and take offenders to court.

“If they suspect illegal trading or smuggling, they can act,” Mr. Gyamfi added. “They can seize your gold and go to court for warrants.”

Additionally, he mentioned a task force will be established under this initiative. This task force will work with national security and other ministries to improve enforcement efforts.

“This is going to be special,” he stated. “Let the bill pass and let the President sign it.”

He believes that while total elimination of smuggling is impossible, there will be progress. For the first time, smugglers may face arrests and prosecution in court.