We need to pray for GoldBod – Duncan-Williams

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has urged Ghanaians to pray for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). He cautioned that the institution is confronting a "very powerful movement" that opposes efforts to ensure proper conduct in Ghana’s gold sector. During a church service on August 16, the Archbishop stated that certain individuals involved in the gold trade are worried about the tightening of controls on illicit gold purchases and are now looking for alternative routes to access Ghana’s gold.

He revealed that he had received calls from individuals in countries where Ghanaian gold was once bought on the black market, some of whom are reportedly seeking connections to high-ranking officials to help them acquire gold through GoldBod. Duncan-Williams expressed worry about GoldBod's potential dealings with influential individuals who possess extensive knowledge of the gold industry and substantial financial resources.

He also highlighted the scale of Ghana’s illegal gold trade, mentioning an encounter with a member of a ruling family in a Middle Eastern country. According to him, the quantity of Ghanaian gold traded through illicit channels was three times higher than what Ghana’s government officially reported as being sold to that country. The Archbishop described this revelation as deeply disturbing.

He linked the illegal gold trade to broader issues affecting Ghana, such as the impact of illegal mining on the country’s water bodies, farmlands, and food production. He emphasized that political considerations should not take precedence over enforcing laws designed to protect Ghana’s resources. Consequently, he called upon Ghanaians to devote time to praying for their country and for GoldBod as it works to regulate the gold trade and combat illegal activities within the sector.