By Patrick Biddah
The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod), Sammy Gyamfi, has revealed a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal gold trading with the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals operating illegally in Wassa Asankrangwa in the Western region.
The suspects, believed to be part of a sophisticated gold smuggling network, were arrested with 1.3kg of gold valued at GHS1.4 million and GHS1.3 million in cash.
Security operatives, also seized 10 pump-action guns, casino cards, suspected to be tools for money laundering, and gold trading receipts stored in two large safes.
According to Lawyer Gyamfi, the suspects had been operating covertly from hotels and private residences without valid licenses, making it impossible to sell their gold legally.
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As a result, they resorted to smuggling the mineral out of the country, contributing to illicit financial flows and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.
“These foreign nationals are well-resourced and heavily armed. Their operations not only threaten our economic stability but also national security,” he said.
So far, Goldbod, has conducted 17 successful operations since launching its crackdown on illegal gold trade.
This latest operation brings the total gold seized to 12kg, with a combined value of GHS35 million in gold and cash recovered.
Lawyer Gyamfi, stressed that no individual or external pressure would interfere with the prosecution process.
“Nobody can call me. I will not release any suspect under any influence,” he firmly declared.
He also confirmed that the suspects will be processed for court tomorrow, and investigations are underway to uncover the individuals or networks backing their operations.
Many past offenders in similar illegal gold trade cases, according to Goldbod, have already been deported after arrest and prosecution.
Illegal operations have previously been uncovered in hotspots such as Tarkwa, Anyinam, Wassa, and Obuasi, showing a worrying trend across key mining areas.
The seized gold, he said, will be sold through legal channels, and the proceeds will be channeled into national development efforts.
“This is not just about arrests. It’s about reclaiming our economy and ensuring that Ghana benefits fully from its natural resources,” Lawyer Gyamfi concluded.
