Authorities in Ghana have arrested six individuals — including U.S. and Moroccan nationals — in connection with an alleged illegal gold trading and refining scheme that violated newly enacted mining regulations.
The suspects were taken into custody at the SSNIT Emporium near Accra’s Marina Mall following a weeks-long surveillance operation by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) Taskforce. The group was allegedly attempting to assay and purchase 2.1 kilograms of gold, with an estimated market value of roughly 2.2 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $180,000), without the required licenses under Ghana’s Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
The detainees include Smart Philander, a U.S. national; Nina Elfseky, a Moroccan citizen; and four Ghanaian men — Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey. Officials say refining equipment was also discovered in Philander’s possession, suggesting an intent to process gold without state authorization.
All six suspects have been charged in an Accra court with conspiracy to engage in unlicensed gold trading, unauthorized assaying, and attempted illegal refining — offenses that fall under both the Criminal Offences Act of 1960 (Act 29) and the 2025 Gold Board Act.
Ghana, the continent’s leading gold producer, has struggled in recent years to curb illegal mining and smuggling, which have cost the state significant revenue and raised environmental concerns. The creation of the Ghana Gold Board in 2023 was aimed at tightening regulatory oversight and formalizing the gold supply chain.
In a statement released Monday, the Gold Board underscored its zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized gold operations, warning both Ghanaian citizens and foreign nationals that violators would face criminal prosecution.
“Illegal trading, assaying or refining of gold remains a serious offence under our laws,” the Board said. “We are committed to ensuring that only licensed entities participate in Ghana’s gold sector.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities indicated that additional arrests or charges could follow as they continue to unravel the full extent of the operation.
