The Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) have launched a nationwide manhunt for four individuals accused of orchestrating a major gold smuggling operation.
The suspects, Abdul Karim, Sadique Abubakar, Muhammed Afsal Puth Puthalan, and Muhammed Nandoli Rafeeq, are alleged to be part of a seven-member network that has been smuggling gold outside official channels.
Authorities say the illegal activity deprives the state of much-needed revenue while undermining efforts to formalize the mining sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, September 16, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, said warrants had been issued for the suspects. “We have an arrest warrant for all of them; they are wanted by the police and the GoldBod. If you have any information about them, you can report to the nearest police station or the GoldBod head office,” he stated.
Mr. Gyamfi confirmed that three members of the syndicate have already been apprehended and are in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). To accelerate the capture of the remaining suspects, authorities have announced a GH₵1 million bounty on each fugitive. “We have a bounty of GH₵1 million on each of them,” he said.
The clampdown comes as Ghana intensifies its fight against illegal gold exports, which industry analysts estimate drain billions of dollars from state coffers annually. Smuggling not only erodes tax revenues but also distorts official trade statistics and damages the country’s credibility as Africa’s second-largest gold producer.
The joint action by the Police Service and the Gold Board adds to a tougher stance on illicit trade networks, with enforcement agencies under pressure to close revenue leaks.
