The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has accused the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) of breaching transparency laws. The policy think tank alleges GoldBod removed its quarterly trading reports from its official website. This action raises significant concerns about public accountability and compliance with legal mandates.
IERPP issued a statement on Monday, August 25, 2026, demanding urgent answers from GoldBod. The institute cited Section 42 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). This section requires GoldBod to publish quarterly reports detailing its operations, revenue, contracts, expenditure, and responsible sourcing. The reported removal directly contradicts this legal obligation.
This incident fits into a broader narrative of calls for greater transparency in Ghana's resource management. Gold is a vital source of foreign exchange for the nation. Public access to GoldBod's financial activities is crucial for understanding its impact on the Bank of Ghana and overall public finances. Previous discussions have often highlighted the need for robust oversight of state-owned enterprises.
Professor Isaac Boadi, Executive Director of IERPP, stated, “Section 42(2) requires GoldBod to ensure access to those reports. The law does not merely require GoldBod to upload reports; it requires meaningful public access to them.” He stressed that while IERPP does not allege wrongdoing, the disappearance of reports raises “legitimate questions.” This is especially true given GoldBod’s role in managing Ghana’s strategic gold reserves.
The implications of this alleged breach are substantial for public trust and economic governance. Decision-makers and financial markets will closely watch GoldBod’s response. The IERPP demands GoldBod explain who authorized the removal, when it occurred, and why. They also seek the restoration of all reports and a permanent public archive. This situation could prompt a review of transparency protocols for other state entities managing national assets.
IERPP has outlined six specific demands for GoldBod. These include restoring all previously published quarterly reports and establishing a permanent public archive. The think tank also wants explanations for any deletions, withdrawals, or amendments to reports. They insist on publishing original and revised versions where figures have changed, along with reasons for these changes. Furthermore, IERPP demands disclosure of publication and removal dates for each report. Full disclosure under Section 42, covering revenue, contracts, expenditure, operations, and traceability, must remain publicly accessible. Finally, IERPP seeks disclosure of off-taker fees, trading margins, discounts, assay charges, and other transaction costs for independent scrutiny.
The think tank argues that GoldBod cannot demand compliance from licensed gold buyers while making its own legally mandated reports inaccessible. “Where public resources and national gold are involved, citizens must be able to understand the transactions,” the statement emphasized. IERPP warned against GoldBod becoming a “black box.” The Board’s activities directly affect Ghana’s exports, reserves, and public finances. Section 42 was enacted specifically for transparency and accountability. This obligation should not be treated as a temporary website exercise, according to IERPP.