Law-enforcement authorities have arrested ten Chinese nationals in connection with illegal gold trading and smuggling activities in the Western Region, officials confirmed on Wednesday (2 July).
The suspects were apprehended at a private residence in Asankrangwa during an intelligence-led operation.
The raid was spearheaded by the soon-to-be-launched anti-illegal mining task force of GoldBod, the country’s gold marketing and regulatory body.
Security operatives seized 1.3 kilograms of gold valued at GHC1.4 million, GHC1.3 million in cash, 12 pump-action guns and large quantities of ammunition.
Investigators also found gold trading records and proceeds allegedly laundered through casino cards.
Foreign nationals figure large
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Sammy Gyamfi, the chief executive officer of GoldBod, described the operation as “a major breakthrough” in the country’s fight against the trade in illegally mined gold.
He vowed that the suspects would face the full rigours of the law.
“This operation signals our determination to clean up the gold sector and safeguard our natural resources from criminal exploitation,” Gyamfi said.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the role of foreign nationals – particularly Chinese – in Ghana’s illicit small-scale mining sector, locally known as galamsey.
The government has ramped up enforcement efforts in recent months to combat environmental degradation and revenue loss attributed to illegal mining.
The suspects are in the custody of national security, with legal proceedings expected to commence in the coming days.
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