The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested an American national, Smart Philander, a Moroccan, Nina Elfseky, and four Ghanaians for allegedly engaging in unlicensed gold trading in Accra.

The local suspects have been identified as Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.

According to a statement from the Gold Board, the suspects were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall after several weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance by the taskforce.

They were reportedly caught while attempting to purchase and assay about 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately GH₵2.2 million, without the required authorisation under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

Authorities also retrieved gold refining equipment from the American suspect, which they believe was to be used for illegal refining operations within Ghana.

All six suspects have since been arraigned before the Accra High Court, facing charges of conspiracy to trade in gold without a licence, engaging in unauthorised gold trading and assaying, and attempting to refine gold illegally — offences that contravene Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

The Gold Board said the arrests underscore its commitment to protect the integrity of Ghana’s gold trade and ensure that only certified and licensed entities operate within the sector.

It further warned both locals and foreigners that dealing in gold — including buying, selling, assaying, or refining — without proper licensing constitutes a criminal offence punishable by law.

Investigations are ongoing.