The Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ghana Gold Board has firmly declared that the Chinese nationals arrested in connection with illegal gold trade will be prosecuted and, if found guilty, will serve their sentences in Ghana.
Reiterating the assurance given by Sammy Gyamfi (Esq.), the Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board, the PRO stated that the suspects will not be deported, unlike Indian nationals recently arrested for similar offences.
“Our Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, has assured Ghanaians that the ten arrested Chinese nationals will be prosecuted and not deported. They will serve their term in Ghana if found guilty and sentenced,” he said in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
Mr. Minkah stressed that the Gold Board Act 1140 explicitly prohibits foreigners from engaging in local gold trading. He noted that despite several warnings issued, these foreigners breached the law, leading to their arrest.
A task force established by the Gold Board arrested ten Chinese nationals suspected of smuggling gold as part of efforts to combat illicit trade and resource exploitation in the country. During the operation, the task force 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 PRO noted that this move will serve as a deterrent to others involved in illegal activities.
Meanwhile, he revealed that the money seized from the operation would be allocated to the construction of health facilities, school buildings, and other projects in deprived communities if approved by the appropriate authorities.
“We want to send a strong signal to those engaging in illegal activities because we will come after them,” he warned.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
