The General Overseer of Action Chapel International, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has issued a significant statement regarding a burgeoning network of individuals allegedly connected to ‘powerful people with deep pockets’ who have recently approached him to assist in their involvement with illegal gold mining operations within Ghana. According to sources, these individuals, predominantly foreign nationals, have been leveraging their connections to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to facilitate the purchase and sale of gold obtained through illicit activities.
For years, Archbishop Duncan-Williams has acknowledged the presence of gold mining operations in Ghana, but the recent introduction of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has dramatically altered this landscape. He revealed that several years ago, he received calls from individuals, primarily foreign nationals, at a location outside of Ghana, detailing their substantial gains from gold extracted through illegal mining. These individuals, according to his account, had a record of significant transactions involving gold originating from illegal sources, explicitly stating that they had purchased gold from illegal sources and had a documented history of it.
In an interview monitored by Graphic Online on Monday morning, [August 17, 2026], Archbishop Duncan-Williams stated that he travelled to the Middle East and hosted several individuals for dinner. During the conversation, he highlighted a key revelation: the GoldBod’s establishment was predicated on a deliberate effort to regularise and control the legal trade in gold, effectively dismantling the previous unregulated system. He explained that since the GoldBod’s implementation, he has received a steady stream of calls from individuals requesting assistance in navigating the GoldBod’s processes, including obtaining access to the board’s systems.
He further elaborated that these individuals had previously possessed access to gold but had subsequently lost this access following the establishment of GoldBod. They requested his intervention to facilitate the acquisition of gold through the Board, and the individuals were reportedly willing to pay in dollars if he could provide assistance. According to the interview, one caller specifically stated, ‘If you can help us get through the GoldBod, we’ll pay you in dollars.’ The Archbishop confirmed that he could not directly intervene, stating that he was constrained by his role as a spiritual leader and did not want to get involved in the intricacies of the GoldBod’s operations.
He emphasized that the situation has shifted dramatically since the GoldBod was established, transitioning from a system of unregulated purchase and export to a formalized and regulated system. The individuals who contacted him described themselves as individuals who had previously had access to gold but had lost this access following the establishment of GoldBod. They asked him whether he could intervene and help them obtain gold through the Board.
The situation has also evolved into a concern for the continued activities of illegal miners, and the potential damage they cause to Ghana’s water bodies and farmland. The Archbishop stressed the urgent need for prayer and increased attention to enforcement efforts against illegal mining, emphasizing the importance of empowering law enforcement agencies. He cautioned against replacing legal enforcement with prayer, stating that prayer should not replace the necessary action to protect the environment and the livelihoods of those who uphold the law.”
This situation has drawn attention to a complex web of transactions, with several individuals appearing to have a vested interest in facilitating the illegal gold trade. The Archbishop’s statement underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the individuals involved and the potential implications for Ghana’s economic stability and environmental well-being. The situation highlights a growing concern about the continued exploitation of natural resources through illicit activities, and the need for a coordinated response from both governmental and community stakeholders.
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Source: Graphic Online
