The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has presented a cheque for GH¢12,645,862.48 to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), representing 50 per cent of the proceeds realised from the forfeiture of 17 gold bars intercepted by the Commission last year.

The funds are intended to support NACOC’s operational activities and strengthen its efforts to combat organised crime, particularly illegal gold smuggling and cross-border criminal activities.

The presentation was made by the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, during a courtesy call on the GoldBod headquarters by the Director-General of NACOC, Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and his management team.

The visit was aimed at deepening institutional collaboration, strengthening border security, enhancing intelligence sharing and improving joint efforts to combat transnational organised crime.

Presenting the cheque, Mr Gyamfi said the seized gold bars had successfully undergone the validation and legal forfeiture processes and had officially been forfeited to the State.

He disclosed that while the suspects arrested in connection with the seizure were currently facing legal proceedings, some accomplices remained at large and were being pursued by law enforcement agencies.

Mr Gyamfi commended NACOC for its professionalism, dedication and commitment to protecting Ghana’s borders, describing the Commission as a key partner in safeguarding the country’s mineral resources.

He expressed confidence that closer collaboration between GoldBod and NACOC would significantly strengthen the fight against illegal gold exports, narcotics trafficking and other forms of organised cross-border crime.

Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Commission, Major General Mantey expressed appreciation to GoldBod for fulfilling its pledge, describing the financial support as a major morale booster for NACOC.

He said although gold-related offences do not fall within the Commission’s core mandate, NACOC 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 said.

The Director-General disclosed that the operation leading to the seizure of the 17 gold bars was highly risky, revealing that one of the officers narrowly escaped an attack during the exercise and had to be evacuated to Accra through a carefully coordinated rescue operation.

He further disclosed that the Commission had since made additional arrests involving suspected gold smuggling and illicit currency movements, adding that NACOC officers stationed at Ghana’s borders had intensified surveillance to prevent the illegal movement of gold and other contraband.

Major General Mantey called for deeper collaboration between GoldBod and NACOC in intelligence gathering, border security and coordinated enforcement operations against organised criminal networks.

He also appealed to GoldBod to support the Commission’s public education and drug prevention programmes, particularly initiatives aimed at protecting young people from narcotics abuse.

“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 growing partnership between NACOC and GoldBod would enhance national security, strengthen border protection and contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.