Ghana Urged to Enhance Border Security to Curb Gold Smuggling

ACCRA, Ghana (News Ghana)—Dr Steve Manteaw, Co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, has called for urgent measures to strengthen border security in Ghana to combat rampant gold smuggling, which is causing significant revenue losses for the state.

Addressing a press briefing organized by the Civil Society Organisations Alliance, Dr Manteaw highlighted the exploitation of multiple exit points across the country by miners who avoid the cumbersome process of transporting gold to Kotoka International Airport for legal export.

“The current practice of smuggling gold through various exit points outside of Kotoka International Airport poses a substantial threat to Ghana’s revenue,” Dr Manteaw stated.
He urged political parties to prioritize policy reforms, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, to address these loopholes and enhance revenue collection.

“In areas like Bole, near the border with La Côte d’Ivoire, miners find it more convenient to cross the border with their gold rather than travel to Accra,” Dr Manteaw explained.

“To mitigate these losses, we must establish secure facilities at major entry and exit points nationwide to effectively monitor and regulate the export of gold.”

Dr. Manteaw’s advocacy underscores the critical need for coordinated efforts to safeguard Ghana’s resources and bolster its fiscal integrity amidst escalating challenges in the extractive sector.

Source:newsghana.com.gh