The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has arrested six individuals — including an American and a Moroccan national — for engaging in illegal gold trading and refining operations without the necessary licences.
The suspects, identified as Smart Philander (American), Nina Elfseky (Moroccan), and four Ghanaians — Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey — were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra after weeks of intensive surveillance and intelligence-gathering.
According to GoldBod, the suspects were caught attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at about GH¢2.2 million, without proper authorisation — a clear violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
During the operation, officers also discovered gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, further confirming their intention to refine gold unlawfully within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
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The accused have since been arraigned before a court in Accra on multiple counts, including:
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Conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence;
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Engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence; and
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Attempting to refine gold illegally, offences contrary to Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
In a statement, the Ghana Gold Board reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing regulations governing gold trading and refining in Ghana, emphasizing that only licensed entities are permitted to operate in the sector.
The Board also warned both locals and foreigners that any form of unlicensed gold trading, assaying, or refining constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.
Investigations are ongoing, and GoldBod has assured the public that further updates will be released as the case develops.
Stroy By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem