GoldBod arrests 10 Chinese nationals in illegal gold trade
The newly formed GoldBod Taskforce has arrested ten Chinese nationals in Asankragua, barely 48 hours after the government officially announced a ban on foreign involvement in Ghana’s local gold trade.
The arrest, which authorities describe as a major breakthrough, follows actionable intelligence from informants and marks the first high-profile operation since GoldBod launched its nationwide crackdown on illegal gold trading.
The taskforce swooped in on a private residence in Asankragua where the suspects were allegedly engaged in unauthorized gold transactions. Seized in the operation were:
1.3 kilograms of raw gold, valued at nearly GHS 1.4 million,
Over GHS 1.3 million in cash,
A pump-action shotgun, and
A significant quantity of casino cards, believed to be linked to money laundering schemes.
Addressing the media, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi confirmed that the suspects would not be deported but would be prosecuted in full accordance with Ghana’s laws.
“We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free. The grace period is over. We have given countless warnings upon warnings. So when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
According to the GoldBod CEO, the suspects will be arraigned before the court tomorrow, where prosecutors will seek their remand for further investigations.
He further revealed that instructions have been given for investigators to build a water-tight case, leveraging the strong body of evidence gathered by operatives during the raid.
The arrests follow the recent policy directive banning foreign nationals from directly or indirectly participating in the local gold trade, a measure aimed at curbing widespread illegal trading and smuggling that has cost Ghana millions in lost revenue.
The ban, announced earlier this week, forms part of a broader government strategy to sanitize the gold sector, curb capital flight, and enhance the integrity of Ghana’s mineral value chain.
Mr. Gyamfi warned that this is only the beginning, and all individuals, foreign or local, who operate outside the law will face full legal consequences.
He said: “This is a message to all illegal operators, especially foreigners, who think they can flout our laws with impunity. Ghana is done playing soft. If you’re involved in illegal gold trading, prepare to face justice.”
The GoldBod Taskforce is operating under a new legal mandate, developed in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, Minerals Commission, and national security agencies. The unit has been given powers equivalent to those of law enforcement to arrest, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in illegal gold transactions.
