A group calling itself Concerned Citizens of Ghana has petitioned state investigative bodies to probe the alleged unlawful involvement of an unlicensed and investigated individual in Ghana’s GoldBod operations, warning of potential abuse and financial loss to the state.
In a petition addressed to the Office of the Attorney-General, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the citizens raised “grave concerns” about the activities of one Mr. Roger Frimpong Kwakye.
The petition alleges that Mr. Kwakye, who is reportedly under active investigation by the OSP for matters relating to “financial loss to the State,” is playing a central role in critical GoldBod activities despite his company, Goldstrom, not being a licensed entity under the GoldBod regime.
According to the petitioners, this constitutes a clear violation of the GoldBod Act, which restricts key functions like assaying, smelting, and pricing of gold strictly to certified and licensed entities.
“How does an individual under serious criminal investigation, including matters relating to financial loss to the State, meet the fit-and-proper standard required to participate, influence, and shape GoldBod operations?” the petition asks.
Allegations of Contract Irregularities
The document details that Mr. Kwakye, as Managing Director of Goldstrom Ghana, has allegedly contracted his foreign-based refinery to assay and smelt gold for BAWA-ROCK LTD on behalf of Ghana GoldBod. It further claims he has been facilitating fund distribution for license holders via WhatsApp and was engaged to organise traceability training without proper tendering.
“The GoldBod Act was enacted to prevent precisely this kind of capture, manipulation, and abuse,” the petitioners stated, arguing that the alleged arrangements undermine Parliament’s intent to protect national interest, prevent capital flight, and ensure transparency.
They expressed alarm that an individual linked to previous investigations into the alleged squandering of approximately USD 90 million of MIIF Gold for Forex (G4F) funds is now embedded in the sensitive national gold value chain.
Formal Demands for Action
The Concerned Citizens have made three key demands from the state agencies. They are calling for an immediate investigation into Mr Kwakye’s role, Goldstrom’s involvement, and the legality of all related contracts.
They also demand the suspension of any individual or entity operating within GoldBod without the requisite license or employment status under the Act.
Finally, they seek full disclosure of all relevant contracts and the due diligence processes used in selecting vendors.
The petition suggests evidence can be gathered from CCTV footage at GoldBod premises, traders’ WhatsApp pages, and Zoom meeting records.