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The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested six individuals, including an American and a Moroccan national, for engaging in illegal gold trading activities in Accra. The suspects, identified as Smart Philander (American), Nina Elfseky (Moroccan), and four Ghanaians – Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey – were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall after weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The group was caught attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at about GHS 2.2 million, without the required license. This blatant disregard for the law was further compounded by the discovery of gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, indicating plans to refine gold illegally within Ghana’s jurisdiction.
The suspects have been arraigned before an Accra court on multiple charges. They face allegations of conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence, and attempting to refine gold without authorisation. These charges are in contravention of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
In light of this incident, the Ghana Gold Board has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with national mining and trading regulations. The Board warned that any form of gold trading, assaying, or refining without a valid license is a criminal offense and will be met with the full force of the law. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as the case develops.
epos MBN360 news
