The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has apprehended six individuals — including an American and a Moroccan — for allegedly engaging in unlicensed gold trading, in breach of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The group, which also included four Ghanaian nationals, was arrested during an operation at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall in Accra’s airport area.
According to GoldBod, the arrests followed several weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering. The suspects were reportedly attempting to purchase approximately 2.1 kilogrammes of gold, valued at GH¢2.2 million, without proper authorisation.
Further investigations revealed that the American suspect possessed gold refining equipment, suggesting an intent to conduct illegal refining activities within Ghana.
The accused have been arraigned before the court on charges including conspiracy to trade in gold without a licence, illegal gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold without authorisation.
These offences are cited under Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
In a statement, the GoldBod Taskforce said the arrests were part of broader enforcement efforts aimed at upholding compliance in the gold industry and protecting the nation’s mineral wealth.
“These arrests reinforce our zero-tolerance stance on illegal gold operations. Both local and foreign individuals must operate strictly within the law by obtaining the required licences,” the statement said.
The Board further warned that engaging in unlicensed gold trading, assaying, or refining remains a serious offence, urging the public and industry stakeholders to verify all licences before entering into gold-related transactions.
Authorities added that investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be issued as the case develops.
