GoldBod Taskforce Nabs 10 Chinese Nationals in Major Anti-Illicit Gold Operation

Accra, Ghana - 2 July, 2025 - In a significant breakthrough against illicit gold trading, Ghana's GoldBod Taskforce has apprehended 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua, Western Region, just 48 hours after the government announced a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in the local gold trade.

The arrests were made at a private residence where the suspects were allegedly engaged in unauthorized gold transactions.

According to Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod, the operation was intelligence-driven and resulted in the seizure of 1.3kg of gold valued at approximately GH₵1.4 million, over GH₵1.3 million in cash, a pump-action gun, and a substantial quantity of suspected money-laundering casino cards.

Gyamfi emphasized that the arrested individuals would face full prosecution under Ghanaian law and would not be deported.

The GoldBod CEO stressed that the task force's swift action sends a clear message to illegal operators, particularly foreigners, that Ghana is committed to sanitizing the gold industry and enforcing its new directive.

Gyamfi noted that the grace period for compliance has ended, and those arrested would face the full weight of the law.

“We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free,” he said.

"The grace period is over and we have given countless warnings upon warnings. And so when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation," he said.

The suspects are expected to be arraigned before court soon, with GoldBod praying for their remand into custody for further investigations. 

"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 added.

Source: Lead News Online