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The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has arrested six individuals — including an American and a Moroccan national — for engaging in illegal gold trading and refining activities without a licence.
The suspects, identified as Smart Philander (American), Nina Elfseky (Moroccan), and four Ghanaians — Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey — were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra following weeks of surveillance.
Authorities say the group attempted to purchase and assay 2.1 kilograms of gold, worth approximately GHC2.2 million, in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). Additionally, refining equipment was found in the possession of the American suspect, pointing to plans for illegal refining operations.
The six have been arraigned in court on multiple 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 Section 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, the Ghana Gold Board reaffirmed its commitment to cracking down on illegal gold trade and urged all individuals and entities to operate only with proper authorisation. The Board warned that unlicensed gold trading, assaying, or refining is a criminal offence under Ghanaian law.
Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be shared as the case develops.
