President John Dramani Mahama has announced a sweeping transparency initiative requiring all members of the newly inaugurated GoldBod Taskforce to wear body cameras during field operations—a move aimed at boosting public confidence and curbing corruption in Ghana’s gold sector.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the taskforce at the National Security Secretariat on Tuesday, July 8, President Mahama described the measure as a bold and necessary step in the fight against illegal gold smuggling and misconduct within the mining value chain.
“Every member of the taskforce will operate under strict oversight. All officers will wear body cameras during every operation,” the President declared.
The GoldBod Taskforce, made up of specially selected personnel from National Security, the Ghana Armed Forces, and other key security agencies, has undergone rigorous preparation, including background checks, polygraph testing, and comprehensive training in the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 1040).
President Mahama emphasized that the team has also received intensive instruction in anti-corruption protocols, operational ethics, and team building to prepare them for high-risk and high-stakes missions.
“The inauguration of the GoldBod Taskforce signals our readiness to act decisively. We are setting a new standard in the protection and management of our gold resources,” he said.
In addition to mandatory body cameras, Mahama revealed several other accountability measures:
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No operation will be undertaken without prior written authorization from the Taskforce’s Chief Executive Officer.
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All operational vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking systems to enable real-time monitoring and route verification.
To further bolster public involvement, the President announced a whistleblower incentive scheme aimed at encouraging citizens to report illegal gold trading.
“If you blow the whistle and gold or cash is retrieved as a result, you will receive 10% of the value,” he said.
President Mahama called on all Ghanaians to actively support the fight against gold smuggling and help protect the country’s valuable mineral wealth.
“These measures reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and justice in managing Ghana’s natural resources,” he concluded.
