The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced that three foreign nationals arrested for attempting to smuggle gold out of the country before April 30, 2025, will be deported under the implementation of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
Prince Minkah, Spokesperson for GoldBod, during a press briefing on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, indicated that three other individuals apprehended after the law’s effective date will face prosecution.
The difference in punishment for the six foreign nationals, according to GoldBod, stems from the timing of their arrests.
They were apprehended in two separate operations at Anyinam and another location in the Ashanti Region. “They will be repatriated to their home countries to reunite with their families,” Minkah stated.
Authorities have explained that the three individuals set for deportation were apprehended before the new regulations took effect, although their actions violated existing laws at the time. Authorities say since the new law, Act 1140, wasn’t in force at the time, they won’t face its penalties.
In contrast, the second group, apprehended at Anyinam after the April 30 deadline, will face prosecution under the new law, which reserves domestic gold trading exclusively for the Ghana Gold Board.
“If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law,” Minkah cautioned, emphasizing the strict penalties outlined in the new legal regime.
Authorities recovered several items from the latter group, including gold counting machines and cash in U.S. dollars. These assets have been confiscated and will be used as evidence in their prosecution.
The Ghana Gold Board Act, passed to curb illegal gold exports and tighten control over the mineral trade, granted a transition period for foreign actors to exit the domestic gold market. That window closed on April 30.
Minkah reiterated that the law aims to restore integrity to the gold trade, reduce smuggling, and ensure that the value generated from Ghana’s natural resources benefits the nation directly.
As enforcement escalates, GoldBod says it is boosting surveillance and strengthening collaboration with security agencies to prevent future breaches. “The rules are clear. Foreigners can no longer operate in our local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward,” he warned.
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