Ghana Gold Board launches manhunt for four suspects wanted in multi-million cedi gold smuggling syndicate

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has launched a nationwide manhunt for four key suspects implicated in what it describes as the most elaborate gold smuggling syndicate uncovered since its establishment earlier this year.

The suspects, including the alleged mastermind identified as Rafik Mohammed Nandoli, alias “Sarkozy”, are believed to have illegally trafficked over 100 kilograms of gold, valued at more than GHC120 million, out of the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, revealed that the syndicate operated under the guise of licensed gold trading activities but was in fact part of a larger, well-coordinated criminal network involving licensed traders, recruited couriers, local agents, and foreign collaborators.

"This case is extremely serious. It represents the boldest attempt yet to undermine the integrity of Ghana’s gold regulatory system,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.

"The public deserves to know what is happening behind the scenes in the gold trade, and we are determined to dismantle this operation and bring all culprits to justice.”

According to investigations by the Gold Board’s intelligence unit, the smuggling ring used licensed GoldBod traders in Tarkwa as a front to acquire gold, which was then transported to Accra by couriers.

From there, the gold was smuggled across Ghana’s borders — particularly into Togo and Lome — evading official channels and tax obligations.

A major breakthrough came on August 27, 2025, when one of the couriers, Abdul Razak, was intercepted in Accra in possession of 8.5 kilograms of gold with a purity of 92.5%, valued at over GHC10.2 million.

Further interrogations revealed that Razak had been recruited by his cousin, Abdul Karim, and was paid just GHC 500 per trip to move the high-value metal across regions.

The arrest of Razak triggered a series of operations that led to the arrest of Bernard Nkrumah, a licensed trader operating under N.K. Benak Enterprise, along with Arimeyaw (also known as Arim Yaw) and other associates suspected of being part of the ring.

The smuggling operation is alleged to have been orchestrated by Rafik Mohammed Nandoli, alias “Sarkozy”, operating through an entity called Rafmoh Gold Limited.

Although the company was previously active under the now-defunct PMMC regime, it is not licensed under the new Gold Board framework introduced in early 2025.

The Board’s investigations show that Rafmoh Gold Limited maintained links with both local agents and foreign nationals, who facilitated the illicit trade.

These foreign operatives are believed to have partnered with Abdul Karim and his brother, Sadiqa Bubakar, to recruit couriers and manage cross-border logistics.

Three of the suspects — Abdul Razak, Bernard Nkrumah, and Arimeyaw — have already been arraigned before a High Court in Accra.

They were granted bail to the tune of GHC15 million each, with two sureties, one of whom must provide proof of landed property.

As part of their bail conditions, the accused are required to report to the Gold Board’s investigative unit every other day for the next three weeks.

Meanwhile, law enforcement and intelligence teams are actively pursuing the remaining suspects, including “Sarkozy,” who is believed to have fled the jurisdiction.

Mr. Gyamfi emphasized that the Gold Board cannot combat such sophisticated smuggling operations alone and called on the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information.

“We are committed to transparency and accountability. But this is a fight we cannot win in isolation. We urge patriotic citizens and honest industry players to assist us in exposing these criminal networks that rob the nation of critical revenue,” he said.

Gold smuggling continues to be a major challenge for Ghana, one of Africa’s leading gold producers.

The newly-established Gold Board, tasked with sanitizing the sector, has pledged to implement stringent regulatory mechanisms and collaborate with security agencies to clamp down on illegal trade routes.

The public is advised to report any suspicious gold trading activities to the nearest Gold Board office or law enforcement agency.

The following individuals are currently wanted by the Gold Board and law enforcement:

1. Rafik Mohammed Nandoli (alias “Sarkozy”) – Alleged mastermind

2. Abdul Karim – Recruiter and middleman

3. Sadiqa Bubakar – Courier recruitment and logistics

4. Unnamed Foreign Nationals – Believed to be co-conspirators operating through Rafmoh Gold Limited

Members of the public with relevant information can contact the Gold Board’s confidential tip line at 0800-444653/0800-444654 or email: report@goldbod.gov.gh.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith