The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the deportation of three foreign nationals and the prosecution of three others for involvement in gold smuggling activities in Ghana.
According to Prince Minkah, spokesperson for the Board, the arrests took place during two separate operations. The first group, consisting of three individuals apprehended in the Ashanti Region prior to the enforcement of Ghana’s new gold trading law, will be deported to their home country, India.
“These individuals were arrested before the April 30 deadline set for all foreigners to cease trading in Ghana’s local gold market. They will be repatriated to reunite with their families,” Mr. Minkah announced at a press conference in Accra.
A second group was apprehended in Anyinam following the enforcement of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). This law prohibits foreigners from participating in local gold trading. Those arrested will face prosecution under the new legislation. Authorities also confiscated gold counting machines and US dollar cash as evidence.
“Any foreigner caught engaging in illegal gold trading will face the full force of the law,” Mr. Minkah warned.
The newly enacted legislation aims to regulate gold trading and curb illegal exports. Foreign nationals were given a deadline of April 30 to withdraw from the local gold market. Those who failed to comply now face the risk of arrest and prosecution.
