In a coordinated operation, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and National Security operatives have intercepted an attempt by foreign nationals to smuggle several kilograms of gold out of the country.
The operation, carried out earlier today, is part of Ghana’s ongoing crackdown on illegal gold exports, which has recently intensified under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
According to JoyNews sources, multiple foreign nationals were apprehended while trying to move a significant quantity of gold out of Ghana without authorization. The joint effort by GoldBod and National Security marks another step in enforcing the country’s new gold export regulations.
At a press conference held at the National Security Headquarters in Accra, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah revealed that six suspects were arrested in two separate operations. Of these, three will be deported, while the remaining three will face prosecution under the new gold trading law.
The first group of suspects was arrested in the Ashanti Region before the April 30 deadline that required foreign nationals to exit Ghana’s local gold trade. These individuals, arrested before the enforcement of Act 1140, will be deported to their home countries.
“They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families,” Minkah confirmed.
The second group was apprehended in Anyinam after the new law came into effect. These suspects will be prosecuted for violating the law, which reserves all local gold trading rights exclusively for the Ghana Gold Board. Authorities also seized gold-counting machines and cash in U.S. dollars during the arrests.
The Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), prohibits unauthorized gold exports and aims to regulate and protect the country’s mineral wealth more effectively.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
