Archbishop Duncan-Williams calls for prayers for Ghana Gold Board amid gold trade regulation challenges

Speaking during a church service, he highlighted concerns about illegal gold trading and the challenges GoldBod encounters in formalizing the sector and combating illegal mining. Duncan-Williams mentioned receiving information from a Sheikh indicating that individuals who previously acquired gold illegally are now seeking access to GoldBod to purchase gold through formal channels. He suggested GoldBod is dealing with influential actors in the gold trade who resist stricter enforcement and regulation.

The Archbishop also expressed concerns about political interests undermining efforts to protect Ghana's natural resources, warning that politicians might tolerate lawlessness to secure electoral support. He further raised alarms about the environmental impact of illegal mining on Ghana's water bodies, farmland, and food production. Duncan-Williams recounted the Sheikh's information about substantial quantities of illegally acquired gold from Ghana, for which Ghana reportedly lacked corresponding records, suggesting the volume of unrecorded gold exceeded the amount officially sold.

He concluded by urging his congregation to pray for Ghana's future, particularly concerning illegal mining and the work of law enforcement institutions.