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Missing records of illegal gold purchases in Ghana raise concern – Duncan-Williams
August 16, 2026
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Missing records of illegal gold purchases in Ghana raise concern – Duncan-Williams

Money
Policy
Growth

Key Points

  • Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams claims foreign buyers have records of illegal gold purchases from Ghana that are not reflected in the nation's official records.
  • He cited a conversation with a Sheikh who allegedly disclosed that the volume of undocumented gold transactions surpassed Ghana's recorded sales.
  • Duncan-Williams highlighted that Ghana's records primarily cover officially sold gold, implying a larger, unrecorded volume for which buyers possess documentation.
  • He expressed concern that Ghana's laws and regulatory systems are ineffective, particularly due to the politicization of law enforcement against illegal mining.
  • The Archbishop suggested that political considerations, like fear of losing electoral support, hinder firm action against illegal activities, urging prayer for the country.

Why This Matters

This issue is critical for Ghana as it points to significant revenue leakage and a lack of control over its primary natural resource, gold. The discrepancy between official and actual gold trade volumes implies substantial lost tax revenue and foreign exchange, directly impacting national development and economic stability. Furthermore, it exposes deep-seated governance challenges and the politicization of law enforcement, which undermines efforts to combat illegal mining and ensure equitable resource management for future generations.

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