Three of the suspects were apprehended in Anyinam in the Eastern Region, while the other three were arrested in Adiembra in the Ashanti Region.
The operation, spearheaded by National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul Osman, resulted in the seizure of hundreds of gold bars, large sums of Ghana cedis, and money-counting machines.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, held at the National Security Secretariat in Accra, Media Relations Officer for the Ghana GoldBod, Prince Kwame Minkah, confirmed the arrests and assured the public that all involved will face appropriate legal consequences.
According to him, the first group of foreign nationals were arrested before the April 30 deadline set by the GoldBod banning foreign participation in the local gold trade. Therefore, they will be deported rather than prosecuted.
However, the second group, arrested after the May 1 enforcement of the new directive, will face prosecution in court.
“For the latest bust, those involved will face the full rigours of the law. The confiscated items included gold bars, money-counting machines, and cash in cedis. This is a clear warning to all foreigners—local gold trading is exclusively reserved for the Ghana GoldBod,” he stated.
National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul Osman also disclosed that some Ghanaians were complicit in the scheme, aiding the foreign nationals by registering companies in their names to help them evade taxes and conceal their operations.
He assured that investigations are ongoing and that all Ghanaians found to have played a role in the illegal activities will also be prosecuted.
The Ghana GoldBod had earlier announced a ban on all foreign and unauthorized individual participation in the local gold market, effective May 1, 2025. The agency now holds exclusive authority to regulate and control artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the country.
According to the directive, any foreigner or individual wishing to trade in gold must now apply for approval to purchase or off-take gold directly from the GoldBod.
Source: Starfm.com.gh
