Foreign nationals to face prosecution for illegal mining in Ghana

By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi

The Ghana Gold Board has issued a warning to foreign nationals involved in the illegal gold trade. The Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has made it clear that any foreigner caught buying gold illicitly after the initial April 30 deadline will face full prosecution under Ghanaian law.

According to Mr. Gyamfi, the decision to prosecute rather than deport foreign nationals engaged in illegal gold trade is a deliberate effort to send a strong message and serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to engage in similar activities. The Ghana Gold Board has been working closely with security agencies to clamp down on illegal gold operations, particularly those undermining government efforts to formalize the small-scale mining industry.

Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that Ghana welcomes investment, but only through legal and transparent means.

“We want to assure the public that we will not tolerate any form of illegal activity in the gold sector. Foreigners caught engaging in illegal gold trade will be prosecuted, and we will ensure that the law takes its course,” he said.

The Ghana Gold Board’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the gold sector are aimed at ensuring that the country’s mineral resources benefit its citizens. The Board has been working tirelessly to formalize the small-scale mining industry, and the crackdown on illegal gold trade is a significant step in that direction. Mr. Gyamfi’s warning is a clear indication that the Ghana Gold Board will not hesitate to take action against anyone found engaging in illegal gold trading. The Board’s collaboration with security agencies has led to several successful operations against illegal miners, and it is expected that this crackdown will continue in the coming months.