The GoldBod Taskforce has made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal gold trading in Ghana by arresting 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua, Western Region. This arrest comes just 48 hours after the government enforced a nationwide ban on foreign participation in the local gold trade.
The suspects were apprehended at a private residence where they were allegedly conducting unauthorized gold transactions. The operation, based on credible intelligence, led to the seizure of 1.3 kilograms of gold valued at nearly GH₵1.4 million, over GH₵1.3 million in cash, a pump-action gun, and a large number of suspected money-laundering casino cards.
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who addressed the media, emphasized that the arrested individuals would not be deported but will face full prosecution under Ghanaian law.
“We mean business. Illegal gold trading and smuggling will no longer go unpunished,” Gyamfi stated firmly.
He warned illegal operators, especially foreign nationals, that Ghana is serious about cleaning up the gold industry and enforcing the new ban on foreign involvement. “The grace period is over. We issued multiple warnings, and now those arrested will not be deported,” he added.
Gyamfi also confirmed that investigators are working to build a strong case against the suspects with the evidence collected. “We expect them to be arraigned in court soon, and we hope the court will remand them for further investigations,” he concluded.
