The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce has arrested six people for engaging in illegal gold trading without license in Accra, after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations.
They include four Ghanaians; Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey, as well as an American citizen, Smart Philander, and Moroccan national, Nina Elfseky.

A statement issued in Accra by the Board said the arrests took place at the SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall in Accra.
The suspects were caught attempting to buy and assay about 2.1 kilogrammes of gold, valued at approximately GHS 2.2 million, without the requisite licence as mandated under 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 their intent to refine gold illegally within Ghana’s jurisdiction, the statement said.

The suspects have since been arraigned in Accra on multiple counts, including conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence, and attempting to refine gold illegally.
Those are contrary to Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), it said.

The arrests underscored the GoldBod’s unwavering commitment to enforcing the laws governing the gold trade and marketing industry, and ensuring that only licensed entities operated within the legal framework.
The Board reminded the public that any form of gold trading, assaying, or refining without a licence from the Ghana Gold Board was illegal and punishable by law.
Investigations are ongoing and further updates would be communicated as the case progressed, it said.