Ghanaian authorities have arrested six people – including an American and a Moroccan national – for allegedly engaging in illegal gold trading and refining activities without proper authorisation.

The arrests were carried out by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce following weeks of surveillance. The group was apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra while attempting to assay and purchase 2.1kg of gold, estimated to be worth around 2.2 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $180,000).

Those arrested have been named as Smart Philander, a US citizen; Nina Elfseky, a Moroccan; and four Ghanaian nationals – Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.

During the operation, officials also recovered gold refining equipment allegedly in the possession of the American suspect, suggesting plans to illegally process gold within Ghana’s borders.

All six individuals have appeared before a court in Accra and face multiple charges, including conspiracy to trade gold without a licence, unauthorised assaying, and attempted illegal refining. The charges fall under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a statement, the Ghana Gold Board said the arrests underscore its commitment to clamping down on unlicensed activities in the gold sector.

“The Gold Board will not hesitate to take firm action against both local and foreign actors who flout the country’s mining regulations,” it said.

Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer and has intensified efforts in recent years to combat illegal mining and smuggling, which authorities say pose risks to the economy and environment.

Investigations into the case are ongoing, and the Board says further updates will be provided as proceedings develop.

Source:TheDotNews