GoldBod taskforce arrests 10 Chinese nationals for illegal gold trading in Asankragwa

 The GoldBod Taskforce has arrested 10 Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal gold trading and smuggling at a private residence in Asankragwa, located in the Western Region.

The arrests come just 48 hours after the government imposed a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in Ghana’s gold trade.

The operation based on credible tip-offs from informants, led to the seizure of:

• 1.3 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately GH¢1.4 million

• GH¢1.3 million in cash

• 12 pump-action guns and ammunition

• Dozens of casino cards, believed to be instruments of money laundering

• Gold trading records and documents

The taskforce also discovered that the illegal operations were taking place within a private residence, which had been converted into a hub for unauthorised gold transactions.

GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who briefed the press following the arrests, said the operation marks a turning point in Ghana’s fight against illegal gold trading and the enforcement of its new policy prohibiting foreign nationals from participating in the local gold trade.

“We mean business. This time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free,” Gyamfi asserted.

He emphasised that the arrested suspects will face full prosecution under Ghanaian law, and deportation will not be an option.

Read Also: Gold Trade: GoldBod will consider applications in a spirit of fairness and transparency  – Sammy Gyamfi

“The grace period is over. We have given countless warnings. So, when you are arrested now, there will be no talk of deportation,” he added.

Gyamfi also revealed that investigators have been directed to build a watertight case using the solid evidence gathered by the taskforce’s field operatives.

“By tomorrow, they will be arraigned before court. We will pray the court to remand them into custody for further investigations. It is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome,” he stated.

The arrest of the Chinese nationals is expected to send a strong signal to illegal foreign operators in Ghana’s gold sector, many of whom have for years been accused of evading taxes, engaging in smuggling, and undermining local businesses.

Read Also: Ignorance of the law is no excuse, all gold trading licenses issued by PMMC, Lands Minister are now invalid- Sammy Gyamfi

The GoldBod Taskforce, though yet to be officially launched, has already demonstrated its capacity to act decisively and is expected to play a central role in enforcing mining and gold trade regulations across the country.

This development is being lauded by stakeholders as a necessary and timely move to protect Ghana’s gold economy, improve transparency, and restore local ownership in the precious minerals value chain.