The GoldBod Taskforce has arrested 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua in the Western Region, in a major breakthrough against illegal gold trading, just 48 hours after the government announced a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in the local gold trade.
The suspects were picked up from a private residence where they were allegedly engaged in unauthorised gold transactions.
The operation, based on solid intelligence from informants, also led to the seizure of 1.3kg of gold worth nearly GH₵1.4 million, over GH₵1.3 million in cash, a pump-action gun, and a significant quantity of suspected money-laundering casino cards.
GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who briefed the media on the development, confirmed that the arrested individuals would not be deported but would face full prosecution in accordance with Ghana's laws. "We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free," he said.
