The GoldBod Taskforce has arrested 10 Chinese nationals in Asankragua in the Western Region, in a major breakthrough against illegal gold trading, just 48 hours after the government announced a nationwide ban on foreign involvement in the local gold trade.

The suspects were picked up from a private residence where they were allegedly engaged in unauthorised gold transactions.

The operation, based on solid intelligence from informants, also led to the seizure of 1.3kg of gold worth nearly GH₵1.4 million, over GH₵1.3 million in cash, a pump-action gun, and a significant quantity of suspected money-laundering casino cards.

GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, who briefed the media on the development, confirmed that the arrested individuals would not be deported but would face full prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s laws.

“We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free,” he said.

According to Mr. Gyamfi, the task force’s swift action sends a clear message to illegal operators—especially foreigners—that Ghana is taking bold steps to sanitise the gold industry and enforce its new directive banning foreign nationals from buying or selling gold in the country.

"The grace period is over and we have given countless warnings upon warnings. And so when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation," he said.

The GoldBod CEO further stated that he has instructed the investigators to build a water-tight case based on the evidence that the field operatives have made available to them.

"By tomorrow, they will be arraigned before court, we will be praying the court remands them into custody for further investigations and it is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome," he added.