The Ghana GoldBod Taskforce has arrested ten Chinese nationals suspected of smuggling gold.
The suspects were arrested through an operation in Asankragua, a town in the Western region of Ghana.
Officials stated that the separation forms part of its pivotal moment in the fight against illicit trade and resource exploitation in the country.
The operation was a meticulous sting, showcasing the commitment and precision of the GoldBod Taskforce.
As part of the exercise, authorities seized 1.3 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately 1.4 million cedis, along with 1.3 million cedis in cash and a selection of casino cards.
The materials recovered suggest a potential linkage to organised crime and money laundering activities, raising alarms about the depth of illegal operations within Ghana’s gold industry.
Addressing the media shortly after the bust, Sammy Gyamfi (Esq.), the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, expressed the board’s dedication to enforcing the GoldBod Act 1140. This critical legislation explicitly prohibits foreigners from engaging in local gold trading, a measure designed to protect Ghanaian miners and bolster the economy.
The CEO emphasised the importance of upholding the law to safeguard the nation’s resources from exploitation.
“Today marks a significant step in our fight against illegal gold trading,” Gyamfi asserted. “We will not tolerate any individual or group that seeks to undermine our laws and exploit our resources. The GoldBod Taskforce is here to protect our gold from illegal exploitation, and we will hold accountable anyone who bypasses our regulations.”
He added that the operation signifies a profound shift in Ghana’s stance on illegal gold trading, which has long threatened the nation’s wealth and the livelihoods of countless local miners and businesses.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana