The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is taking a firm stance against illicit gold trading, announcing the deportation of three foreign nationals and the prosecution of three others under the stringent new Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

The move signals a robust enforcement of the recently enacted legislation, aimed at sanitizing the nation’s gold sector.

During a press briefing, GoldBod spokesperson Prince Kwame Minkah clarified that the legal consequences for apprehended suspects are directly tied to the timing of their arrests relative to the new law’s effective date of April 30.

Taste the Goodness: EL Blends All-Natural Cold-Pressed Juices

“They will be repatriated to their country of origin to reunite with their families,” Minkah stated, referring to three Indian nationals who were detained for attempted gold smuggling prior to the April 30 deadline.

These individuals will face summary deportation.

In contrast, a second group of three individuals, apprehended in Anyinam after the new law came into effect, will be subject to the full force of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025.

“If you’re a foreigner and caught engaging in illicit gold trading, you will be held accountable,” Minkah warned, underscoring the severe penalties stipulated in the new legal framework.

Authorities confirmed the confiscation of various contraband items from this group, including gold counting equipment and significant amounts of U.S. currency, which will be presented as evidence during their prosecution.

The Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, was promulgated with the primary objective of restoring integrity to the gold trade, curbing smuggling activities, and ensuring that Ghana’s valuable natural resources directly benefit its citizens. GoldBod is reportedly enhancing its surveillance capabilities and strengthening collaborations with security agencies to prevent future transgressions.

“The regulations are unequivocal,” Minkah emphasized. “Foreigners are henceforth prohibited from participating in our domestic gold trade. There will be no latitude for exceptions moving forward,” he asserted, reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation’s gold resources.