The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor has assured the public that his Ministry will probe and investigate the expose on gold smuggling in the country.
Speaking in an interview, he intimated that, his ministry will not turn a blind eye; on the issue of gold smuggling as it bothers on the issue of criminality.
“We are going to probe the issue; we are going to conduct investigations into this matter. The smuggling of gold is an illegality. So, if you have a syndicate which smuggles gold, it’s purely a criminal act.”
Samuel Jinapor
Mr. Jinapor stated that, the security agencies must find ways of investigating the bases as well as the marketing companies involved. He also disclosed strategies are being put in place in this regard too.
“With the Minerals Commission; I have tasked them to put down strategies to ensure that we have a regime in Ghana; which will make it impossible or difficult for people to smuggle minerals outside the country.”
Samuel Jinapor
He further gave the assurance that investigation will be conducted. Mr. Jinapor also disclosed that, the institutional framework of the country will be strengthened. This, he says, he will ensure that the Minerals Commission and PMMC will see to it and ensure that mechanism are put in place.
Committee To Discuss Expose
He further revealed that the Parliamentary Committee on Mines will be meeting to discuss the alleged gold smuggling syndicate issue. He then said whoever is found culpable will not be shielded; saying criminality must not be condoned in any shape or form.
Smuggling Could Have Security Impact
Dr. Steve Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative also speaking on the issue has intimated that, smuggling activities could have a dire impact on the nation’s security.
“These activities could pose as huge security risk for Ghana and to me it is very dangerous. Looking at the situation where Boko Haram or any terrorist group can come into this country; set up a base, produce gold, send it through unapproved routes, make money which will help in the financing of their terrorist activities.”
Steve Manteaw
He further said that, the nation’s state security agencies must be concerned and also take actions in this regard.
Government Must Probe
Also commenting on the issue, Former Chief Executive of Minerals Commission, Tony Aubynn says government must show interest in probing, given the extent of loss of revenue to the state.
He said the smuggling activities pose a major financial challenge to the country and urged government to trace the movement of the metals.
“Government can trace the movement of the metals from the mining site, just like we have a program in the diamond area when it is being transported to another country.
“In fact, when you go to any country, when transporting diamond, let’s say from Ghana to Belgium, they can trace that the diamond is from Ghana and that is what government must be looking at.”
Tony Aubynn
Touching on the gold smuggling with regards to the amount, Mr Aubynn said that, the government must show keen interest and called the various security agencies to also show interest.
