The GoldBod Taskforce has arrested 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua in the Western Region for their alleged involvement in illegal gold trading.
The individuals were picked up from a private residence where they were reportedly conducting unauthorised gold transactions.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, announced the arrests at a press conference on Wednesday.
Mr. Gyamfi explained that the operation was based on credible intelligence provided by informants, leading 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 shotgun, and a significant quantity of suspected money-laundering casino cards.
He stressed that the suspects would not be deported but would be prosecuted in full accordance with Ghanaian 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. We have given countless warnings, and so when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation.”
He further noted that investigators have been instructed to build a watertight case based on evidence gathered by field operatives.
“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.
The arrests come just 48 hours after the government announced a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in Ghana’s local gold trade.
