Gold Smuggling: Ghana Deports 3, Charges 3 Others Under New Law

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has confirmed the deportation of three foreign nationals and the prosecution of three others over illegal gold trading activities in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, May 14, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah explained that the six suspects were arrested in two separate operations.

The first group of three was apprehended in the Ashanti Region before the enforcement of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025. Because their arrests occurred before the April 30 deadline for foreigners to exit Ghana’s local gold market, they will be deported.

“They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families,” Mr. Minkah stated.

All three deportees are of Indian nationality.

The second group, arrested in Anyinam after the new law took effect, is set to face prosecution.

According to officials, gold counting machines and large sums of U.S. dollars were seized during the operation.

These individuals now face charges under the new legal framework that restricts Ghana’s local gold trade exclusively to the Ghana Gold Board.

“If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law,” Mr. Minkah warned.

The Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), was passed to tighten control over gold exports and eliminate illegal trading.

The law gave foreign nationals until April 30 to exit the local trade, after which offenders would be prosecuted.

Authorities say the move is part of broader efforts to protect Ghana’s mineral resources and ensure transparency in the gold sector.

GoldBod and National Security have pledged to increase surveillance and crack down on further attempts to smuggle gold out of the country.

All confiscated items from the suspects, including cash and equipment, are currently being held as evidence for the pending prosecutions.