Ghana Gold Board launches crackdown on gold smugglers
By Ernest Afram
The Ghana Gold Board has announced a renewed and aggressive crackdown on gold smuggling activities across the country in an effort to safeguard Ghana’s mineral revenue and protect the integrity of its mining sector.
Speaking at the 2025 Mining in Motion Summit, held in collaboration with the Ashanti Green Initiative, Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, stressed that the days of illegal gold trading and “gold smuggling” are over.
Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that enforcement mechanisms are being significantly strengthened to ensure that all gold produced in Ghana is traded and exported through official channels, with foreign exchange earnings fully repatriated to benefit the national economy.
“The days of illegal gold trading and uncontrolled ghost smuggling have come to an end. The Gold Board will ensure that Ghana’s gold is traded and exported legally, and the forex purses thereof fully repatriated to support our economy and improve the livelihoods of our people. We shall not rest until every ghost smuggler is behind bars,” he said.
To this end, the Gold Board has announced the imminent launch of a standing anti-ghost smuggling task force in conjunction with national security operatives. This task force will be mandated to identify and dismantle smuggling syndicates operating within and outside Ghana’s borders.
Mr. Gyamfi issued a stern warning to foreign nationals involved in illegal gold operations, stating that nationality will not shield any perpetrator from facing the full rigors of the law.
“In the coming weeks, the Gold Board shall, in conjunction with national security, launch a standing anti-ghost smuggling task force to further strengthen our fight against illicit metals. Any persons who fall foul of the law, whether Chinese, Indian, or Kenyan, will be dealt with, no matter whose box is gold. No one will be spared,” he noted.
The CEO emphasized that the Gold Board remains focused on aligning the sector’s output with Ghana’s broader economic goals and will continue to adopt a multi-sectoral approach to ensure transparency, accountability, and value retention in the country’s gold trade.
