The Ghana GoldBod Taskforce has arrested ten Chinese nationals in a major crackdown on illegal gold trading in Asankragua, a town in the Western Region.
The suspects were apprehended during a well-coordinated operation aimed at curbing illicit activities in the gold sector.
Authorities seized 1.3 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth GH₵1.4 million, in addition to GH₵1.3 million in cash and several casino cards, items that officials believe may be linked to organized crime and money laundering networks.
Addressing the media after the operation, the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., reaffirmed the board’s commitment to strictly enforce the GoldBod Act 1140.
The law prohibits foreign nationals from engaging in Ghana’s local gold trade, a measure introduced to protect indigenous miners and preserve national wealth.
“Today marks a significant step in our fight against illegal gold trading, we will not tolerate any individual or group that seeks to undermine our laws and exploit our resources. The GoldBod Taskforce is here to protect our gold from illegal exploitation and we will hold anyone who bypasses our regulations accountable,” he stated.
He added that the arrests signal a renewed effort to restore integrity to the mining sector and clamp down on foreign involvement in illegal gold activities.
