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

An American and a Moroccan national, along with four Ghanaian accomplices, have been arrested by the Ghana Gold Board Taskforce for engaging in illegal gold trading activities without the necessary licences.

The suspects — identified as Smart Philander (American), Nina Elfseky (Moroccan), and Ghanaians Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey — were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall in Accra following a weeks-long surveillance operation.

According to officials, the group was caught in the act of attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth GHS 2.2 million, in clear violation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a statement released by the Taskforce, it was revealed that gold refining equipment was also found in the possession of the American suspect, suggesting plans to refine gold illegally within Ghana — an offence under Ghanaian law.

The suspects have since been arraigned before an Accra court on multiple charges including:

• Conspiracy to engage in gold trading without a licence

• Engaging in gold trading and assaying without a licence

• Attempting to refine gold without authorisation

These charges are in violation of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(1) of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

The Ghana Gold Board has reiterated its commitment to sanitising the gold trading sector and cracking down on illegal operations, especially those involving foreign nationals.

It also reminded the general public that gold trading, assaying, or refining activities carried out without the appropriate licence are criminal offences and will be prosecuted accordingly.

Investigations are still ongoing, and authorities say further details will be made available in due course.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith