The suspects
The Taskforce of Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has arrested six people, including two foreign nationals, for engaging in an illegal gold transaction without the required licence.
The suspects, who have been identified as American citizen, Smart Philander; Moroccan national, Nina Elfseky; and four Ghanaians namely Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, were apprehended after an intelligence-led operation at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall in Accra.
According to a statement from the GoldBod, the arrest followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering by the Taskforce.
The group was caught attempting to purchase and assay 2.1 kilograms of gold valued at about GH¢2.2 million without the necessary authorisation required under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
During the operation, the Taskforce officers reportedly found gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, further confirming their intention to refine gold unlawfully within the country’s jurisdiction.
The six have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, illegal gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold unlawfully – offences contrary to Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
GoldBod said the arrests form part of its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal gold trading and to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s gold marketing regime.
“These arrests highlight our firm commitment to enforcing the laws regulating Ghana’s gold sector. Only licensed entities are permitted to trade, assay, or refine gold in the country,” the GoldBod statement stated.
The Board has cautioned both local and foreign nationals that any involvement in gold trading, assaying, or refining without proper authorisation is a criminal offence punishable by law.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
By Ernest Kofi Adu