The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has apprehended an American national, Smart Philander, a Moroccan, Nina Elfseky, and four Ghanaians for their alleged involvement in unlicensed gold trading activities in Accra.
The Ghanaians have been identified as Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.
The suspects were arrested at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall following weeks of intelligence gathering and covert operations by the task force.
In a statement, Goldbod explained that the suspects were arrested while attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, estimated at GH₵2.2 million, without authorisation as required under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
Authorities also retrieved gold refining equipment from the American suspect, which they believe was intended for illicit refining within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
All six suspects have since appeared before the Accra High Court to face charges of conspiracy to trade in gold without a licence, engaging in unauthorized gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold illegally, offences contrary to Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The Gold Board emphasized that the arrests reflect its continued resolve to uphold the integrity of Ghana’s gold trade and ensure that only certified entities operate within the law.
It further cautioned both locals and foreigners that dealing in gold, whether buying, selling, assaying, or refining, without proper licensing remains a criminal act subject to prosecution.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
