The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested six individuals, including two foreigners, for their alleged involvement in unlicensed gold trading activities in Accra.
The arrested foreigners are identified as American national Smart Philander and Moroccan Nina Elfseky, while the four Ghanaians are Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.
The arrests took place at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall following weeks of intelligence gathering and covert operations by the task force. Authorities say the suspects were intercepted while attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at an estimated GH₵2.2 million, without the required authorisation under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
During the operation, officials also recovered gold refining equipment from the American suspect, believed to have been intended for illegal refining within Ghana.
All six suspects have appeared before the Accra High Court, facing charges of:
- Conspiracy to trade in gold without a licence
- Engaging in unauthorized gold trading and assaying
- 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).
The Ghana Gold Board stated that the arrests demonstrate its commitment to protect the integrity of Ghana’s gold trade and ensure that only certified operators conduct business within the law.
Authorities have also warned both locals and foreigners that buying, selling, assaying, or refining gold without proper licensing is a criminal offence punishable under Ghanaian law.
Investigations into the case are ongoing.
Source – My News Ghana
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