The Kandifo Institute has formally petitioned the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, as well as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), over what it describes as alleged breaches in the operations of Ghana GoldBod.
In the petition, signed by Concerned Citizens of Ghana, the institute raises concerns about the reported involvement of unlicensed individuals and entities within critical stages of the GoldBod value chain, including gold assaying, smelting, pricing and refinery-related activities.
The petition alleges that some of the persons involved are currently under investigation for matters relating to financial loss to the State.
According to the petition, intelligence gathered suggests that an individual linked to previous investigations connected to the now-ended Gold for Forex programme is allegedly participating in GoldBod operations despite not being licensed under the GoldBod Act.
The institute questions the legal basis for such involvement, arguing that the Act restricts assaying, smelting, refining and pricing strictly to certified and licensed entities.
The Kandifo Institute further alleges that certain training programmes and refinery-related arrangements under GoldBod may have been organised without proper tendering or due diligence.
It warns that any deviation from the legal framework governing GoldBod risks undermining transparency, traceability and the protection of state revenue.
As part of its demands, the petition calls for an immediate and comprehensive investigation by the Attorney-General, the OSP and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) into all refinery, assaying, pricing and training arrangements linked to GoldBod.
It also seeks the immediate suspension of any individual or entity operating outside the provisions of the GoldBod Act.
The institute is further demanding full disclosure of all contracts awarded under GoldBod, as well as the due-diligence processes used in selecting companies and individuals involved in the operations.
The petition has been copied to several civil society organisations, governance institutions and media bodies, with the institute urging state authorities to act swiftly in the supreme interest of Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
