Ghana Deports 3 Foreigners, Prosecuting 3 Others Under New Gold Trade Law
The Government of Ghana has deported three foreign nationals and is prosecuting three others in connection with illegal gold trading, following the enforcement of the Ghana Gold Board Act (Act 1140), aimed at eliminating gold smuggling and restoring state control over the industry.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, May 14, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah stated that the six individuals all foreigners were apprehended during separate operations in the Ashanti Region and Anyinam. The key difference in their treatment lies in the timing of their arrests.
Three Indian nationals arrested before the April 30 deadline will be deported, as their offenses fell under previous regulations, which did not include the harsher penalties set by the new law.
“They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families,” Minkah said.
However, the remaining three individuals, arrested after the law came into effect, will be prosecuted under Act 1140, which restricts local gold trading to entities authorized by the Ghana Gold Board. Items seized during their arrest including U.S. currency and gold-counting equipment will be used as evidence in the case.
“If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law,” Minkah emphasized, underlining the government’s firm stance on enforcement.
The Ghana Gold Board Act was introduced to clamp down on gold smuggling and to ensure that the wealth generated from the sector benefits the Ghanaian economy. A grace period was offered to allow foreign traders to exit the market, but that expired on April 30.
GoldBod announced it is working closely with security agencies to intensify surveillance and prevent further illegal activity.
“The rules are clear. Foreigners can no longer operate in our local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward” Minkah concluded.
