10 Chinese nationals nabbed by taskforce over illegal gold trading

Just two days after Ghana imposed a sweeping ban on foreign participation in the local gold trade, a major enforcement strike led to the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua, Western Region.

The GoldBod Taskforce apprehended the suspects at a private residence where they were allegedly conducting illicit gold transactions. Acting on reliable intelligence, the team uncovered a substantial haul: 1.3 kilograms of gold estimated at nearly GH₵1.4 million, over GH₵1.3 million in cash, a pump-action shotgun, and a stack of casino-style cards suspected to be linked to money laundering operations.

GoldBod’s CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, briefed journalists shortly after the raid and confirmed that the suspects would not be deported but rather prosecuted under Ghanaian law.

“We are done issuing warnings. This time, there will be no escape route through deportation. The law will take its full course,” Gyamfi said emphatically.

He added that the arrests represent a strong signal to foreign actors flouting Ghana’s regulations. “The grace period is over,” he said. “Those who continue to violate our laws should expect no leniency.”

Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that a solid case is being assembled against the suspects, backed by field evidence. He disclosed that the accused would be arraigned before the court by the next day, with prosecutors expected to request their remand for further investigation.

This high-profile operation marks the first major enforcement action since the government’s declaration of a ban on foreign individuals and entities engaging in the buying and selling of gold within the country. The move aims to curb widespread illegal trading and gold smuggling activities that have long plagued the sector.