In a significant move against illegal gold trafficking, the GoldBod Taskforce arrested ten Chinese nationals in Asankragua, Western Region, just 48 hours after the government declared a nationwide ban on foreign participation in the local gold sector.
The accused were allegedly involved in illegal gold dealings at a private apartment when they were apprehended.
Based on reliable information from informants, the operation also resulted in the recovery of a pump-action gun, a large number of suspected money-laundering casino cards, 1.3 kg of gold valued at almost GH₵1.4 million, and more than GH₵1.3 million in cash.
Sammy Gyamfi, the CEO of GoldBod, informed the media of the development and affirmed that the arrested individuals would be fully prosecuted in line with Ghanaian law rather than being deported.
“This time, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and smuggling and get away with it,” he stated. “We mean business.”
Mr. Gyamfi claims that the task force’s prompt action makes it abundantly evident to unlawful operators, particularly foreigners, that Ghana is acting decisively to clean up the gold business and implement its new rule that forbids foreigners from purchasing or selling gold in Ghana.
“We have issued numerous warnings, and the grace period has came to an end. Therefore, there won’t be any deportation-related consequences when you are caught now,” he stated.
The CEO of GoldBod added that he has given the investigators instructions to use the evidence provided by the field workers to create a strong case.
“By tomorrow, they will be arraigned before court, we will be praying the court remands them into custody for further investigations and it is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome,” he stated.