A civil society group identifying itself as Concerned Citizens of Ghana has formally petitioned the Attorney-General, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office to conduct an investigation into alleged irregularities within the Ghana Gold Board’s operations.
The group asserts in the petition that certain individuals and companies purportedly unlicensed and currently under investigation for causing financial losses to the state are implicated in key activities of the Ghana Gold Board, including gold assaying, smelting, pricing, and refinery-related operations.
Specifically mentioned is Mr Roger Frimpong Kwakye, who is reportedly under investigation concerning the Mineral Income Investment Fund’s Gold for Forex programme, which concluded in 2024.
According to the group, Mr Kwakye is linked to Ghana Gold Board operations through Goldstrom Ghana and BAWA-ROCK Limited, despite lacking the requisite licensure and certification under the Ghana Gold Board Act.
The group queries the legal basis for Mr Kwakye’s alleged involvement in Ghana Gold Board activities, including organising traceability training programmes for licence holders and engaging in gold assaying and smelting via a foreign-owned refinery operating at Kotoka International Airport, which they argue would contravene the provisions of the Ghana Gold Board Act restricting such activities to certified and licensed entities.
Furthermore, the group claimed that Goldstrom Ghana, being foreign-owned, may be engaged in refinery-related activities without adhering to local ownership and licensing requirements mandated by law, potentially undermining national interest, transparency, and state revenue.
Consequently, the group calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation by the aforementioned agencies into the alleged roles of the individuals and companies mentioned and for the suspension of any unlicensed persons or entities involved in Ghana Gold Board operations pending investigation.
Additionally, they demand full disclosure of all contracts awarded by the Ghana Gold Board and details of the due diligence processes utilised in selecting service providers.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
