The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is drawing a clear distinction in its enforcement approach to gold smuggling, as it begins implementing the newly enacted Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
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In a press briefing held on Tuesday, May 14, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah announced that three foreign nationals arrested prior to the April 30 deadline for attempted gold smuggling will be deported, while another three, caught after the law took effect, will be prosecuted.
The six suspects, all foreign nationals, were picked up in two separate operations—one in the Ashanti Region and another in Anyinam.
According to GoldBod, the timing of each arrest determined the legal consequences the suspects now face.
“They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families,” Minkah clarified.
The deportees, all Indian nationals, were arrested before the new regulations came into force. Authorities said that although they were in violation of Ghana’s existing gold trading framework, their actions did not yet fall under the punitive scope of Act 1140.
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However, the second group, apprehended in Anyinam after April 30, is not as fortunate. They will face prosecution under the new legislation, which reserves Ghana’s local gold trading exclusively for the Gold Board.
“If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law,” Minkah cautioned, emphasizing the strict penalties outlined in the new legal regime.
Authorities recovered several items from the latter group, including gold counting machines and cash in U.S. dollars. These assets have been confiscated and will be used as evidence in their prosecution.
The Ghana Gold Board Act, passed to curb illegal gold exports and tighten control over the mineral trade, granted a transition period for foreign actors to exit the domestic gold market. That window closed on April 30.
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Mr. Minkah reiterated that the law aims to restore integrity to the gold trade, reduce smuggling, and ensure that the value generated from Ghana’s natural resources benefits the nation directly.
As enforcement escalates, GoldBod says it is boosting surveillance and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to prevent future breaches.
“The rules are clear. Foreigners can no longer operate in our local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward,” he warned.
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