The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Ghana’s National Assayer, has raised serious concerns over a disruptive incident at its National Assay Centre at the Aviance Cargo Terminal.
The event, allegedly led by Mr. Joseph Yammin, National Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), occurred on December 17, 2024, and lasted from 4:00 PM to midnight.
In a statement issued by PMMC, the company reveals that the mob reportedly attempted to seize bullion bars being processed by PMMC for the Bank of Ghana (BoG) under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). The programme, active since June 2021, involves assaying gold to verify weight, purity, and value.
Mr. Yammin and his group alleged that the bullion bars were being smuggled out of Ghana, claims PMMC categorically denied.
“The bullion bars were being assayed to confirm their weights, purity, and consequently value. It was during this assay that the process was disrupted by a mob led by Mr. Yammin with the allegation that the said bullion bars were being smuggled secretly out of Ghana by certain political actors, which allegation is false,” the statement read.
The standoff necessitated police intervention, resulting in the bullion bars being moved to the Greater Accra Regional Police Command for safekeeping. The incident also impacted a private, licensed exporter whose gold, intended for legitimate export, was included in the transfer.
PMMC warned that such actions jeopardize Ghana’s credibility in the international bullion market, “This unlawful action is deeply regrettable and has the potential to cause significant harm to Ghana’s reputation on the international bullion market. Such disruptions not only undermine the confidence of legitimate international gold buyers but also threaten the country’s standing as a trusted player in the global gold trade.” PMMC cautioned.
The incident placed PMMC staff at risk, creating a hostile environment for workers carrying out their lawful duties. PMMC emphasized that the event could have been avoided through simple verification with the company or the Bank of Ghana.
PMMC reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, compliance, and accountability in gold export operations. The company remains committed to promoting responsible trade and safeguarding Ghana’s interests in the precious minerals industry.
