President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the Goldbod Task Force, a new anti-illegal mining unit, with a bold pledge to reward whistleblowers with 10% of the value of seized gold or its cash equivalent.
The initiative, launched as part of the government’s intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, seeks to restore environmental integrity, regulate mining activities, and empower local communities to take part in the fight.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Mahama underscored the seriousness of the challenge, while unveiling the innovative incentive to encourage community collaboration.
“If you blow the whistle on anybody engaged in illegal mining, you are eligible to receive 10 percent of the ceased gold or its cash value,” the President announced.
He described illegal mining as a “national threat” that continues to endanger lives, destroy farmlands and water bodies, and undermine Ghana’s legitimate mining sector.
The Goldbod Task Force, made up of specially trained personnel drawn from various security and environmental agencies, will operate across key mining regions. Their mandate includes surveillance, swift intervention, and close collaboration with traditional leaders and local assemblies.
The whistleblower incentive is expected to galvanise community involvement by making citizens active participants in protecting their environment while benefitting directly from reporting unlawful activities.
