By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has uncovered a seven-member gold smuggling syndicate believed to have orchestrated the illicit movement of gold worth more than GH¢120 million, describing it as the most sophisticated network since the Board’s establishment.
Out of the seven members, three key suspects have already been arrested and are currently in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), while four others remain on the run.
According to GOLDBOD Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sammy Gyamfi, the syndicate involved both licensed traders and foreign collaborators, who had been smuggling large consignments of gold through informal networks.
The Three in Custody
1. Bernard Nkroma – A licensed GOLDBOD trader and owner of NK Benak Enterprise. Nkroma is alleged to have supplied gold directly into the smuggling chain. His trading licence has since been suspended, and all his offices shut down.
2. Abdul Razak – A Guinean courier who was arrested at Winneba Junction on August 27, 2025, with 8.5 kilogrammes of gold valued at over GH¢10.2 million. Investigations revealed he had been making multiple trips from Tarkwa, transporting smuggled gold for as little as GH¢500 per trip.
3. Arim Yao – Believed to be a close associate of Nkroma, he allegedly facilitated the movement of gold consignments and played a key role in linking couriers with buyers.
The three were arraigned before court on September 5, 2025, charged with dealing in gold without authorisation, facilitating smuggling, and transporting gold without lawful permits. They are being held at the NIB for further investigations.
As part of enforcement measures, the licence of NK Benak Enterprise has been suspended and its outlets closed. Rafmoh’s gold trading office at Osu and its jewellery outlet at the Palace Mall have also been shut down.
Mr Gyamfi said the suspects were facing charges including dealing in gold without authorisation, facilitating smuggling, and transporting gold without authorisation. He noted that the Attorney-General’s Department, Interpol and state security agencies were directly involved in the case.
“We are determined and resolved to enforce the Gold Board Act and other laws of our land without fear or favour. Your political affiliations will not save you,” he said, urging the public to support the ongoing investigations.
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