Gov’t deports 3 foreigners, set to prosecute 3 others over gold smuggling

The Ghana Gold Board has announced that three foreign nationals will be deported. The other three will face prosecution under new gold trading laws.

Prince Minkah, the spokesperson for the Ghana Gold Board, shared this information at a press conference in Accra on May 14.

Six suspects were arrested in two separate operations. The first group of three was caught in the Ashanti Region before the new law took effect. They will be deported because their arrest happened before the April 30 deadline for foreigners to leave Ghana's local gold trade.

Minkah stated, "They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families."

The second group of three was arrested in Anyinam after the law came into force. These individuals will face prosecution under the new law, which restricts local gold trading to the Gold Board. Authorities confiscated gold counting machines and cash from them.

Minkah emphasized that foreign nationals are prohibited from participating in Ghana's local gold trade. He warned, "If you're a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law."

The first group received leniency due to their earlier arrest. However, the second group will face strict penalties.

The Ghana Gold Board Act of 2025 aims to regulate gold trading and reduce illegal exports. Foreigners had until April 30 to exit the local market or face consequences.

The three deportees are all Indian nationals and will return home. The remaining suspects will be prosecuted, with their confiscated assets used as evidence.

Authorities have pledged to increase surveillance to prevent further smuggling attempts.