By Ghana News
Copyright ghanamma
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) announced the arrest of three individuals believed to be part of a sophisticated gold smuggling syndicate.
The arrests followed a tip-off from a patriotic Ghanaian whistleblower, according to GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi.
The GoldBod Taskforce initiated its investigation on August 27, 2025, when it apprehended Abdul Razak Seidu at the Winneba Junction.
Seidu was found in possession of approximately 9.2 kilograms of a substance confirmed to be gold, with an estimated value of GH¢ 10.2 million.
Gyamfi described the case as the most elaborate gold smuggling operation uncovered by GoldBod since its establishment.
Following the initial arrest, further investigations by the Taskforce led to the apprehension of two additional suspects: Bernard Nkrumah, a Tier 2 licensed gold buyer operating in Tarkwa under the business name NK Bernak Enterprise and Ibrahim Aremeyaw, a key business associate of RAFMOH Gold Ltd.
Investigations have since identified RAFMOH Gold Ltd as the primary sponsor and mastermind of the smuggling operation.
According to Gyamfi, the company and its couriers allegedly purchased over 100 kilograms of gold, valued at more than GH¢ 100 millionbfrom NK Bernak Enterprise within the last two months alone.
All three suspects have been arraigned before the High Court on charges including facilitating and transporting gold without authorisation.
After two weeks in NIB custody, they were granted bail, though the conditions have yet to be met.
The Ghana Police Service and the GoldBod Taskforce are actively pursuing four other suspects who remain at large: Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli, also known as Salam; Muhammed Afsah Puthalan; Abdul Karim and Sadique Abubakar.
GoldBod has secured arrest warrants and announced a bounty of GH¢ 1 million for information leading to the arrest of each of the four fugitives.
“The public is encouraged to report any information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts to the nearest police station or the Ghana GoldBod head office.
“GoldBod’s office is located at the former Bank of Ghana Head Office, High Street, Accra and can be reached via toll-free numbers 0800 44 653 or 0800 44 654.”
In response to the alleged crimes, GoldBod has suspended the licence of NK Bernak Enterprise and closed its Tarkwa offices.
Additionally, the business premises of RAFMOH Jewellery at Palace Mall in Accra have been shut down due to their connection to the syndicate.
Gyamfi reaffirmed GoldBod’s commitment to restoring integrity to Ghana’s gold trade, issuing a stern warning that anyone found engaging in illegal gold trading, hoarding or smuggling will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Will Ghana pass the Anti-Witchcraft Bill? Find out in the latest episode of The Lowdown on GhanaWeb TV in this conversation with Amnesty International
