Ghana has deported three foreign nationals and initiated legal proceedings against three others as part of a stepped-up crackdown on illegal gold trading, marking the first enforcement action under the newly enacted Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), the state body tasked with regulating the sector, confirmed on Tuesday that the six individuals—all foreign nationals—were arrested in two separate operations in the Ashanti Region and Anyinam. The divergence in their legal treatment, officials said, hinged on the timing of their arrests.
According to Prince Minkah, spokesperson for GoldBod, the three individuals deported—identified as Indian nationals—were detained before April 30, the official deadline set under the Act to phase out foreign involvement in Ghana’s local gold trading. “They violated existing regulations, but since they were arrested prior to the law taking effect, they will be repatriated and not prosecuted,” Minkah said during a press briefing.
The remaining three suspects were apprehended after the deadline and now face criminal prosecution under the tougher provisions of Act 1140. Authorities say they recovered gold-counting equipment and cash in U.S. dollars during the arrests—evidence that will be central to the prosecution.
“If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law,” Minkah warned, adding that the new regulatory regime leaves no room for leniency.
The Ghana Gold Board Act was passed to curb rampant smuggling and illegal exports in one of the world’s top gold-producing nations. Under the law, exclusive control of the domestic gold trade is now vested in GoldBod, effectively ending foreign participation in local transactions.
Officials said the law granted a grace period to allow foreign actors to wind down operations—an opportunity some, they noted, failed to heed. As enforcement ramps up, GoldBod is working with security agencies to enhance surveillance and prevent future violations.
“The rules are clear,” Minkah said. “Foreigners can no longer operate in Ghana’s local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward.”
Source:TheDotNews