President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that members of the newly established GoldBod Taskforce have undergone rigorous vetting, including polygraph tests, to ensure their trustworthiness in the fight against illegal gold mining and smuggling.
Speaking at the inauguration of the taskforce on July 8, 2025, President Mahama emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the operations of the taskforce. “Each member has undergone rigorous vetting, including polygraph tests, and has been thoroughly briefed on the Minerals and Mining Act,” he stated.
The GoldBod Taskforce is composed of highly trained officers drawn from the National Security, military, and other intelligence units. The taskforce’s primary objective is to clamp down on illegal gold mining and smuggling, which have been major concerns for the country.
Key Features of the GoldBod Taskforce:
– Stringent Oversight Measures: All officers will wear body cameras during field operations, and vehicles will be GPS-tracked and monitored in real-time.
– Written Warrants: No operation will proceed without a written warrant from the taskforce CEO.
– Anti-Corruption Training: Members have received anti-corruption and ethics training to ensure professionalism and discipline.
– Team-Building Exercises: The taskforce has undergone team-building sessions to foster strategic coordination and effectiveness.
President Mahama also announced a 10% reward scheme for whistleblowers who provide credible information leading to the recovery of illicit gold or its cash equivalent. This initiative aims to encourage public participation in the fight against illegal mining and corruption.