The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested six individuals, including an American citizen and a Moroccan national, for engaging in illegal gold trading in Accra without the required licence.
The suspects, identified as Smart Philander, an American; Nina Elfseky, a Moroccan; and four Ghanaians, namely Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall following weeks of surveillance and intelligence-led operations.
According to the Ghana Gold Board, the group was caught attempting to buy and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at about GH₵ 2.2 million, in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
During the operation, the Taskforce also discovered gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, confirming plans to conduct illegal gold refining activities within Ghana’s jurisdiction. The six have since been arraigned before a court in Accra on multiple charges, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, illegal assaying, and attempted illegal refining.
These charges are in contravention of Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The Ghana Gold Board has reiterated its resolve to clamp down on unlawful gold trade and marketing operations across the country, emphasizing that only licensed entities are permitted to operate within Ghana’s formal gold sector.
It further reminded the public, both local and foreign, that engaging in gold trading, assaying, or refining without a valid licence constitutes a criminal offence punishable under Ghanaian law.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, with the Gold Board assuring the public that further updates will be provided as the case develops.
