Two Burkinabe Nationals Nabbed at Paga Border with $1.7 Million in Smuggled Gold, Gold Bars Handed to Ghana Gold Board

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has successfully intercepted and transferred 17 gold bars, valued at a substantial $1.7 million, to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The official handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of the Interior in Accra.

The gold bars were seized by vigilant officers from NACOC’s Upper East Command at the Paga Border Post. The contraband was discovered during a routine inspection of two Burkinabe nationals attempting to illicitly transport the gold out of the country. The two individuals have been apprehended and are now facing charges related to gold offenses, including illegal transportation and dealing.

During the handover, the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, reaffirmed the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to supporting GoldBod’s mandate of effectively managing Ghana’s precious gold resources. He assured GoldBod’s leadership that they could count on the Ministry’s continued backing in their efforts.

Expressing his gratitude, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, thanked the Director-General of NACOC for the successful operation and seamless transfer of the seized assets. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between various security agencies to enhance their collective effectiveness in combating illegal activities.

The handing over ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Doreen Annan, the Director-General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, and other senior officials representing both NACOC and GoldBod, underscoring the importance of the collaborative effort.