A joint operation by the Ghana Gold Board (GGB), its special task force, and the National Security has led to the arrest of twenty-five individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gold trading, fabrication, and smuggling activities.
The arrests, which took place over two days following weeks of intelligence-led surveillance, form part of ongoing efforts to protect Ghana’s mineral resources and ensure transparency in the gold value chain.
The Dome Pillar 2 Operation in the first operation, five individuals – four Indian nationals and one Ghanaian – were arrested at a jewellery shop at Dome Pillar 2 in Accra for allegedly fabricating and trading gold without a license.
The suspects, identified as Bhaskar Jashu, Manog Mal, Susajit Senti, Sardar Prennath, and Victoria Minkah, were said to be operating under the name Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited.
Authorities retrieved several exhibits from the premises, including suspected gold rings, emerald stones, jewellery-making tools, and multiple mobile phones.
A safe found at the shop contained three gold bars later confirmed through assay testing to be genuine, valued at over GHS 453,000. The group was allegedly refining and selling gold jewellery without authorization.
In a related development, another twenty suspects were picked up at Legend Precious Metal, located at Achimota-Akweteman. The taskforce discovered eight gold bars hidden within the premises, alongside over $112,000 and GHS 64,000 in cash.
Several legal and transactional documents were also found, including purchase agreements and assay reports.
Among those arrested were both Ghanaian and foreign nationals, including the company’s CEO, Gabriel Sewornu, and a former Belarusian diplomat, Lucia Al Yaziji. Others include British, American, Argentine, Swedish, and Russian citizens.
Two of the Ghanaian suspects were also found in possession of unlicensed firearms. Investigations indicate that Legend Precious Metal was not licensed by the Ghana Gold Board but had been involved in illegal assaying, smelting, and cross-border trading through Togo.
The Ghana Gold Board has reiterated its commitment to promoting transparency and due process in the gold sector. According to the Board, gold smuggling deprives the nation of critical revenue and undermines efforts to build a credible domestic gold industry.
“All stakeholders must transact only with licensed dealers verified on our official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh,” the statement advised. The Board emphasized that it will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to clamp down on illegal operations within the gold value chain to safeguard Ghana’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all citizens.”
