The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is taking decisive steps to enforce its new mandate under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), by clearly differentiating how it handles gold smuggling cases based on the timing of offenses.
At a press conference on Tuesday, May 14, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah announced that three foreign nationals arrested before the new law came into force on April 30 will be deported. Meanwhile, another three arrested after the law took effect will be prosecuted.
All six individuals, who are foreign nationals, were apprehended in separate operations—one in the Ashanti Region and the other in Anyinam. The trio being deported—Indian nationals—violated earlier gold trading regulations but did not fall under the new law’s harsher provisions. “They will be sent back to their country to reunite with their families,” Minkah said.
In contrast, the three suspects caught post-April 30 will face legal action under the new legislation, which centralizes gold trading under the sole authority of the Ghana Gold Board. These individuals were found with gold counting devices and large amounts of U.S. currency, which have been seized as evidence.
Minkah emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance: “If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law.” He noted that the Act was designed to eliminate illegal gold exports, secure national resources, and ensure Ghana benefits from its mineral wealth.
With the transition period now closed, enforcement will intensify. GoldBod is stepping up its surveillance efforts and partnering more closely with security agencies to prevent further violations. Minkah concluded firmly: “The rules are clear. Foreigners can no longer operate in our local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward.”
