The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has seized significant quantities of gold, cash, and other suspicious items following the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal gold trading in Asankragua, located in the Western Region.
The bust, announced by GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi led to the confiscation of 1.3 kilograms of gold valued at approximately GH₵1.4 million, GH₵1.3 million in cash, and a collection of casino cards.
Authorities believe the recovered items point to a broader network of organised crime and possible money laundering operations connected to Ghana’s gold sector.
Addressing the media shortly after the operation, Mr. Gyamfi underscored the alarming scale of illegal activities threatening the country’s gold resources.
The GoldBod CEO reaffirmed the board’s commitment to enforcing the GoldBod Act 1140, which strictly prohibits foreigners from participating in Ghana’s gold trade.
The law is intended to protect Ghanaian miners, preserve national resources, and promote economic stability.
He disclosed that the operation was made possible through credible intelligence from informants, leading to a joint effort by the GoldBod Taskforce and the National Security Secretariat.
The GoldBod CEO described the seizure as a significant step in the ongoing fight against illegal gold trading and exploitation by foreign entities.
“During the operations were able to seize gold that is worth about, we are talking about 1.3 kg of gold, and the 1.3 kg of gold is worth close to 1.4 million Ghana cedis, that is 14 billion gold Ghana cedis, but we also seized a lot of cash from them with 1.3, a little over 1.3 million as well, so we got gold of about 1.3 kg, we got cash of about 1.3 million, and we got a lot of what we call casino cars,” Mr. Gyamfi explained.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
