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Ghana’s GoldBod seizes $832,000 worth of gold after uncovering smuggling syndicate

Tanzanian miner Assia Hussein, who is the chairman of an only-women miners association, observes some pure gold nuggets at a gold market in Geita, Tanzania on May 28, 2022. - Tanzania is a land rich in minerals and one of the main gold producers in Africa, with gold representing more than 90% of the country's mineral exports. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining have culturally and historically relegated women's participation. The extractive sector in Tanzania has historically been a male-dominated industry with high levels of harassment, sexual abuse, discrimination and misconceptions over women's involvement, and contributions following traditional beliefs. A a result women face economic challenges due to lack of access to the land. Through the creation only-women miners associations and the help of projects advocating for rights and inclusion in the extractive industry such as the Collective Action For Rights Realisation In Extractives Industry (CLARITY), Tanzanian women in Geita region have been gradually gaining access to the mines while being able to benefit from the sector. (Photo by LUIS TATO / AFP) (Photo by LUIS TATO/AFP via Getty Images)

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the arrest of gold smugglers and has begun the prosecution of perpetrators after a recent bust..

A company registered under the name RAFMOH Gold Ltd and NK Bernak Enterprise have been identified as key businesses involved in the illegal scheme.

During a press briefing held in Accra on Tuesday, at the GoldBod Head Office, GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., described this development as the most elaborate gold smuggling case ever uncovered by his outfit since its establishment.

He indicated that the GoldBod task force apprehended one Abdul Razak Seidu on August 27, 2025, following a tip-off from whom he described as a patriotic Ghanaian whistle-blower. The arrest took place at the Winneba junction in the Central region of Ghana, and he was found in his possession, substances confirmed to be 9.2KG of gold and valued at about GHS 10.2 million.

Investigations by the GoldBod Taskforce led to the arrest of Bernard Nkrumah, a Tier 2 licensed gold buyer of the GoldBod who operates in Tarkwa under the business name “NK Benark Enterprise” and one Ibrahim Aremeyaw, a key business associate of Rafmoh Gold Ltd.

Further investigations have revealed Rafmoh Gold Limited as the sponsor and mastermind of the gold smuggling syndicate.

It’s been established through investigations that the company, through its officers and several couriers recruited by them, illegally purchased over 100 kilograms of gold, valued at over GHS100 million from NK Bernak Enterprise at Tarkwa over the last two (2) months alone.

All suspects have been arraigned before the High Court and charged with the offenses of facilitating gold smuggling, smuggling gold, transporting gold without authorization, among other gold-related offenses.

After two weeks of remand into NIB custody by the High Court, the three (3) suspects in custody were granted bail, but bail conditions are yet to be met.

The other four (4) suspects, namely, Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli A.K.A Salam, Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim, and Sadique Abubaka,r are at large and being pursued by the Ghana Police Service and the GoldBod Taskforce.

The GoldBod has secured arrest warrants for all four suspects at large and has announced a bounty of GHS1 million on each of them.

Members of the general public who may have useful information about the whereabouts of any of the suspects are entreated to report the same to the nearest Police station or the Ghana GoldBod head office, located at the former Bank of Ghana Head Office, High Street, Accra, or call any of the following toll-free numbers: 0800 44 653 or 0800 44 654.

In the meantime, the GoldBod has suspended the license and closed down the gold trade offices of NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa. The business offices of Rafmoh Jewelry located at Palace Mall in Accra have also been closed by the GoldBod on grounds of its connection to the gold smuggling syndicate of Rafmoh Gold Limited.

The CEO of GoldBod reaffirmed GoldBod’s commitment to restoring integrity to Ghana’s gold trade, warning that any person found to be engaged in illegal gold trading, hoarding, or smuggling will be dealt with in accordance with the law without fear or favour.

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