A joint operation by National Security Officials has led to the arrest of Six Indian nationals for engaging in illicit gold trading in Ghana.
The operation, led by National Security Coordinator, DCOP Abdul Osman, resulted in the confiscation of thousands of cedis, hundreds of gold bars, and money counting machines.
The arrests were made in two separate locations: three individuals were apprehended at Enyinam in the Eastern Region, while the other three were arrested at Adiembra in the Ashanti Region.
According to Prince Minkah, Media Relations Officer of the Ghana GoldBod, the arrested individuals will face the full weight of the law.
“But for the latest bust which has occurred, for them they will face the full rigours of the law,” Minkah stated. “Per the arrest and what we got to know, with them were golds, money counting machines and some cedis as well and these things have been confiscated.”
Mr. Minkah explained that the timing of the arrests will determine the course of action. “For the second batch, they will go to court and face the law. This is a warning to every foreigner in Ghana, local gold trading is the sole reserve of the GoldBod,” he emphasized.
DCOP Osman revealed that Ghanaians were also involved in the illegal gold trading, using their identities to register companies and evade taxes.
“These foreigners used the identities of the Ghanaians to register their companies in order ‘to evade taxes and hide their faces’,” he said. “The Ghanaians involved will also be dealt with according to law.”
The Ghana GoldBod had earlier announced a ban on foreigners and individuals trading in the local gold market, effective May 1, 2025.
The GoldBod now has exclusive authority to regulate and control artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Individuals or foreigners interested in continuing the trade must apply to the Ghana GoldBod to buy or off-take gold directly.
The operation serves as a warning to those engaging in illegal gold trading activities, and the Ghana GoldBod is committed to enforcing the new regulations to ensure a transparent and regulated gold market.