Gold smuggling crackdown: Foreign nationals arrested, face deportation, prosecution under new law

A joint security operation between the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and National Security operatives has led to the arrest of multiple foreign nationals caught attempting to smuggle significant quantities of gold out of the country.

The arrests, made earlier this afternoon, form part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal gold exports, a move aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s mineral wealth and enforcing stricter oversight under the newly enacted Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

Two-Tiered Enforcement Response

At a press conference held at the National Security Headquarters in Accra, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah disclosed that six individuals were arrested in two separate enforcement exercises. The operations were carried out in the Ashanti Region and Anyinam, targeting those violating the law prohibiting unauthorized gold trading and export.

According to Mr. Minkah, three of the suspects—apprehended prior to the implementation of the Gold Board Act’s April 30 deadline—will be deported. “These individuals were involved in gold-related activities before the new law took effect. As such, they will be repatriated to their home countries and reunited with their families,” he stated.

Prosecution Under New Legislation

The second set of suspects, arrested post-enactment in Anyinam, will be prosecuted under the new gold trading framework. These individuals were found in possession of gold-counting machines and significant amounts of U.S. currency, all of which were seized during the operation.

“These arrests mark a turning point in the government’s efforts to enforce full regulatory control over Ghana’s gold trade,” said Mr. Minkah. “The new law empowers the Gold Board to be the sole overseer of local gold trading, and we will not hesitate to act against violators.”

Legal Context and Enforcement Mandate

The Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which came into full effect on April 30, outlaws foreign participation in Ghana’s domestic gold trading market. The legislation centralizes control of gold transactions under the Gold Board, aiming to curb smuggling, illicit trade, and revenue losses.

National Security officials at the press conference emphasized that more operations are underway to identify and remove individuals and groups engaged in illegal gold activities.

The GoldBod and security agencies reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Ghana’s mineral resources, promising firm action against both local and international offenders.