Following a major crackdown just 48 hours after Ghana imposed a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in the gold trade, the GoldBod Taskforce has arrested 10 Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal gold trading and smuggling at a private residence in Asankragwa, Western Region.
Acting on credible intelligence, the taskforce stormed the location and uncovered a full-scale illegal operation, seizing 1.3 kilograms of gold worth approximately GH¢1.4 million, GH¢1.3 million in cash, 12 pump-action guns with ammunition, dozens of suspected money-laundering casino cards, and gold trading records.
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, addressing the media after the arrest, called the bust a “turning point” in Ghana’s effort to reclaim control of its gold sector and enforce the newly introduced restrictions.
“We mean business. This time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free,” he said.
Gyamfi was emphatic that deportation will no longer be considered for such offenders.
“The grace period is over. We have given countless warnings. So, when you are arrested now, there will be no talk of deportation,” he added.
According to Gyamfi, the suspects will be arraigned before court today, with prosecutors set to push for remand to allow further investigations.
“We will pray the court to remand them into custody for further investigations. It is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome,” he noted.
Though not yet formally launched, the GoldBod Taskforce has already proven its effectiveness and is being hailed by stakeholders as a decisive step toward safeguarding Ghana’s gold economy, curbing smuggling, and restoring transparency and local control in the minerals sector.
