GoldBod uncovers GH₵100m smuggling syndicate
The Ghana Gold Board has uncovered what it describes as the most sophisticated gold smuggling syndicate since its establishment, involving RAFMOH Gold Limited and NK Bernak Enterprise.
According to the Board, the syndicate illegally acquired and attempted to smuggle gold valued at over GHS100 million within a two-month period.
At a press briefing in Accra, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sammy Gyamfi disclosed that the operation began following a tip-off from a whistleblower.
The GoldBod Taskforce arrested Abdul Razak Seidu at Winneba Junction on 27 August 2025, in possession of 9.2 kilogrammes of gold worth approximately GHS10.2 million.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Bernard Nkrumah, a licensed Tier 2 gold buyer operating under NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa, and Ibrahim Aremeyaw, a known associate of RAFMOH Gold Limited.
Mr Gyamfi stated that RAFMOH Gold Limited was identified as the main sponsor of the smuggling network.
Evidence revealed that the company purchased over 100 kilogrammes of gold from NK Bernak Enterprise, preparing it for illegal export and depriving the state of vital revenue.
Three suspects, Seidu, Nkrumah and Aremeyaw, have been arraigned before the High Court in Accra.
They face multiple charges including unauthorised gold transport and facilitating smuggling. They were remanded into National Intelligence Bureau custody and later granted bail, which remains unmet.
Four additional suspects remain at large. They are Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli, also known as Salam, Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim and Sadique Abubakar.
Arrest warrants have been issued and a GHS1 million bounty placed on each individual.
GoldBod has urged the public to report any information to the nearest police station or call its toll-free hotlines 0800 44 653 and 0800 44 654.
In response to the scandal, GoldBod has suspended the licence of NK Bernak Enterprise and shut down its Tarkwa offices.
Rafmoh Jewellery, located at Palace Mall in Accra, has also been closed due to its links with the syndicate.
Mr Gyamfi reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to enforcing the law and protecting Ghana’s mineral resources.
He warned that all individuals and businesses involved in illegal gold trading will be held accountable.
“This case proves that no one is above the law. Ghana’s gold must be protected for national development,” the Ghana Gold Board CEO stressed.
