By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has uncovered a massive gold smuggling syndicate worth over GH¢120 million, involving licensed traders and foreign partners.
Speaking to the press, GOLDBOD’s CEO, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, disclosed that the syndicate was discovered after intelligence led to the interception of a vehicle transporting gold from Tarkwa at Winneba Junction on August 27.
A Guinean courier, Abdul Razak, was arrested with 8.5 kilograms of gold valued at GH¢10.2 million.
Mr. Gyamfi revealed that Rafmoh Gold Limited, owned by Rafik Mohammed Nandoli, also known as Salam, was the mastermind and sponsor of the smuggling network.
“The shareholder of the company by name Rafik Mohammed Nandoli, Rafmoh for short, who is also called Salam, is the mastermind and sponsor of this whole gold smuggling syndicate we’ve been tracking for a couple of months now,” Mr. Gyamfi said.
Three suspects have been arrested and arraigned before the court, while four others, including Abdul Karim, Mohammed Afsal Putalan, Sadiq Abubakar, and Rafik Mohammed Nandoli, are on the run with a GH¢1 million bounty placed on each.
GOLDBOD has suspended NK Benak Enterprise’s license and closed its offices, as well as Rafmoh’s gold trading office and jewelry outlet.
“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. Even if John Mahama is your father, they will enforce the law,” Mr. Gyamfi emphasized, warning licensed traders to comply strictly with permit conditions.
The Board said it is working with Interpol and state security agencies to dismantle the syndicate and restore integrity to Ghana’s gold trade.
