The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has arrested six individuals—including an American and a Moroccan national—for allegedly engaging in illegal gold trading and refining operations without the required licence.
The suspects have been identified as Smart Philander, an American; Nina Elfseky, a Moroccan; and four Ghanaians—Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey. They were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
According to GoldBod, the group was caught attempting to purchase and assay about 2.1 kilograms of gold valued at approximately GH₵2.2 million, in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). During the operation, taskforce officers also recovered gold refining equipment from the American suspect, confirming plans to refine gold unlawfully within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
The suspects have since been arraigned before a court in Accra on charges including:
• Conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence
• Engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence
• Attempting to refine gold illegally
These offences contravene 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, GoldBod reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing Ghana’s gold trading and marketing regulations, emphasizing that only licensed individuals and entities are permitted to operate in the sector. The Board also warned that engaging in any form of gold trading, assaying, or refining without proper authorisation constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.
Investigations are ongoing, and the Ghana Gold Board has pledged to provide further updates as the case develops.
Source:Africa Publicity
