Archbishop Duncan-Williams Raises Alarm Over Ghana’s Gold Black Market and Potential Revenue Losses

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the founder and General Overseer of Action Chapel International, has issued a stark warning regarding the prevalence of the illegal gold trade in Ghana. Speaking during a Sunday service on August 16, 2026, the prominent clergyman revealed he was "deeply disturbed" by the extent of black market activities that have systematically drained the nation’s mineral wealth. His remarks come at a time when the Ghanaian government, under the administration of President John Mahama, continues to grapple with the economic implications of illicit financial flows within the natural resources sector.

The Archbishop’s concerns were catalyzed by a personal visit to a prominent Middle Eastern nation, where he and his wife were hosted as guests of members of the ruling family. During this visit, Duncan-Williams reportedly encountered information that shed light on the sophisticated and expansive nature of the gold black market. He suggested that these activities are not isolated incidents but represent a long-standing issue where significant portions of Ghana's gold output bypass official channels, potentially leading to substantial losses in national revenue over several years.

While Duncan-Williams did not name specific individuals or entities involved, his public intervention highlights the growing frustration among civil and religious leaders regarding the management of Ghana's extractive industries. The illegal gold trade often involves a complex network of local actors and international intermediaries who exploit regulatory loopholes. By bringing this issue to the pulpit, the Archbishop is calling for a moral and systemic reckoning, urging the nation to address the leakages that prevent citizens from fully benefiting from their own natural resources.

The implications of these revelations are significant for Ghana’s broader economic landscape and fiscal stability. As the country seeks to maximize its domestic revenue mobilization, the persistence of a thriving black market in gold remains a major hurdle to achieving sustainable development goals. The Archbishop’s comments serve as a call to action for both the government and law enforcement agencies to tighten oversight of the mining sector and ensure that the nation’s wealth is accounted for through formal, transparent channels.