NPP presided over the biggest Gold smuggle in the history of Ghana – Prof Godfred Bokpin

According to Professor Godfred Bokpin, an economist and professor of finance at the University of Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has overseen what could be described as the biggest gold smuggling operation in the country’s history. This accusation brings to light concerns regarding the country’s governance, economic policy, and the integrity of its regulatory systems.

Ghana has long been one of the world’s top producers of gold, with the mining industry playing a central role in its economy. Gold exports make up a significant portion of Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings, and the country is often celebrated for its rich mineral resources. However, as global demand for precious metals continues to rise, so does the temptation for illegal actors to exploit the industry, particularly through the smuggling of gold.

Gold smuggling has been a longstanding issue in Ghana. In recent years, however, the scale of this illicit activity has grown significantly.

Professor Godfred Bokpin’s comments have sparked significant debate in Ghanaian public discourse. As an economist and academic with extensive expertise in finance, Bokpin is well-positioned to evaluate the country’s economic policies and their real-world impacts. According to Bokpin, the smuggling of gold under the NPP government reached unprecedented levels, possibly making it the largest illicit gold export scandal in Ghana’s history.

Speaking on Kessben TV’s Maakye with Kwame Appiah Kubi, Bokpin detailed how Ghana’s gold sector has been overtaken by illegal miners and smugglers, who are now involved in diverting gold exports to foreign markets without going through official channels. This practice, he argues, not only deprives the state of valuable revenue but also undermines the credibility and governance of the country’s mining sector.

The economic impact of gold smuggling is far-reaching. The practice deprives the state of crucial revenue from taxes, export duties, and royalties. The country also loses out on the opportunity to benefit from job creation, technology transfer, and infrastructure development that could accompany legitimate mining activities. The smuggling network not only diminishes the profitability of Ghana’s mining sector but also encourages the growth of organized crime and the informal economy, both of which have serious consequences for national security.

In addition to economic consequences, gold smuggling has serious social and environmental repercussions. Illegal mining operations, known locally as “Galamsey,” often operate without any regard for environmental safety. These unregulated mining activities devastate the environment, pollute water bodies, and put the health and safety of local communities at risk. By turning a blind eye to these activities, critics argue that the NPP government failed to protect not only the country’s wealth but also its natural resources and citizens.

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