The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested six individuals, including an American and a Moroccan national, for engaging in illegal gold trading activities in Accra without authorization.
In a statement issued by the Ghana Gold Board, the foreign suspects identified as Smart Philander, an American, and Nina Elfseky, a Moroccan were apprehended alongside four Ghanaian accomplices: Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.
The arrest was made at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the Taskforce.
The group was intercepted while attempting to buy and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, estimated at GHS 2.2 million, without the required licence as stipulated under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
A search conducted during the operation also uncovered gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, indicating their intention to refine gold illegally within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
The suspects have been arraigned before the Accra High Court on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence, and attempting to refine gold illegally, 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 Ghana Gold Board emphasized that the arrests demonstrate its firm commitment to enforcing laws regulating the gold trade and ensuring that only licensed entities operate within the sector.
The Board further cautioned both Ghanaians and foreign nationals that any form of gold trading, assaying, or refining without proper licensing constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.
Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and authorities say additional details will be provided as the case develops.
