GoldBod arrests American, Moroccan, and four Ghanaians for illegal gold trading in Accra

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has apprehended six individuals — including an American and a Moroccan — for engaging in illegal gold trading and refining operations without the required licence.

The suspects have been identified as Smart Philander (American), Nina Elfseky (Moroccan), and four Ghanaians: Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.

They were arrested at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra following weeks of intelligence-led surveillance by the GoldBod enforcement unit.

According to the Board, the individuals were caught attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold — estimated at GHC2.2 million — in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which mandates licensing for all gold trading and refining activities.

During the raid, the Taskforce reportedly seized refining equipment found in the possession of the American suspect, indicating an intent to process gold illegally within Ghana.

The accused persons have since been arraigned before a court in Accra on charges including:

• Conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence;

• Engaging in gold trading and assaying without authorisation; 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).

In a statement, the Ghana Gold Board reaffirmed its determination to enforce compliance within the country’s mineral trade sector, emphasizing that all trading, assaying, and refining of gold must be carried out only by licensed entities.

“These arrests underscore our unwavering commitment to regulate the gold industry and protect the integrity of Ghana’s mineral resources,” the Board stated.

GoldBod also cautioned both local and foreign nationals that engaging in unlicensed gold transactions constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.

Investigations into the case are ongoing, and the Board has assured that further updates will be provided as proceedings advance.