American, Moroccan, four Ghanaians arrested for illegal gold trading in Accra

An American citizen, a Moroccan national, and four Ghanaians have been arrested by the Ghana Gold Board Taskforce for engaging in illegal gold trading in Ghana.

The suspects were caught operating without a licence in violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), which regulates gold trading and refining in the country.

The arrested individuals have been identified as American national Smart Philander, Moroccan citizen Nina Elfseky, and four Ghanaian accomplices — Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.

According to the Taskforce, the arrests took place at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra following weeks of surveillance and intelligence-led operations. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to buy and assay about 2.1 kilograms of gold valued at approximately GHS 2.2 million without the required authorisation from the Ghana Gold Board.

During the operation, Taskforce personnel also discovered gold refining equipment in the possession of the American suspect, which confirmed their intention to refine gold illegally within Ghana.

The six suspects have since been arraigned before the Accra Circuit Court on multiple charges. These include conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence, engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence, and attempting to refine gold illegally — all in violation of Sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a statement, the Ghana Gold Board reiterated its commitment to enforcing regulations governing the gold trade and marketing industry. The Board stressed that only licensed entities are permitted to operate within the legal framework and warned both local and foreign traders that unlicensed gold trading, assaying, or refining is illegal and punishable by law.

The Taskforce further confirmed that investigations into the case are ongoing and additional arrests or legal actions could follow. Authorities promised to release updates as the case progresses, underlining the Board’s dedication to protecting the integrity of Ghana’s gold trade and ensuring compliance with the law.