Ghanaian authorities have arrested three Indian nationals suspected of operating a long-running gold smuggling syndicate, believed to have siphoned tonnes of gold out of the country over the past decade.
The suspects, aged 22, 35, and 42, were taken into custody in Kumasi, where they allegedly converted a residential property into an illegal gold trading hub. Officials from GoldBod—the newly established national gold trading regulator—confirmed that the trio pleaded guilty during their arraignment and are being held until a scheduled court hearing on May 12.
During the operation, law enforcement seized 4.36 kilograms of gold, 1.9 million Ghanaian cedis (approximately $134,000), 4,500 Indian rupees, two currency counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport. Authorities noted that the suspects lacked valid residence permits, work authorizations, and tax documentation.
“This arrest is a clear message that Ghana is closing the door on gold smuggling,” said GoldBod spokesperson Prince Kwame Minkah. “Most of the smuggled gold ends up in India, China, and the UAE—countries that benefit while Ghana loses out.”
The bust comes just weeks after the government launched GoldBod, a centralized body tasked with regulating gold purchases from small-scale miners. The agency is designed to formalize transactions, boost miners’ incomes, and curb illicit exports. Under the new framework, all foreign buyers are required to source gold directly through GoldBod.
Gold smuggling has long been a thorn in the side of Ghana’s economy, draining billions in potential revenue. The country is one of Africa’s leading gold producers, but unregulated trade has made tracking and taxing exports increasingly difficult.
As investigations continue, GoldBod says it will intensify enforcement and surveillance efforts across known smuggling hotspots.