Ghana’s government has deported 3 Indians, nationals and is prosecuting three other foreign individuals under the newly enacted Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
This action marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to regulate its gold trade and eliminate smuggling activities.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) announced that the three Indian nationals were arrested before the April 30 enforcement date of the new law. As their actions breached existing regulations but did not fall under the punitive scope of Act 1140, they have been repatriated to their home country.
GoldBod spokesperson Prince Minkah stated, “They will be repatriated to their home country to reunite with their families.”
Conversely, the three other foreign nationals, apprehended after the law’s enforcement date in Anyinam, are facing prosecution.
They were found in possession of gold counting machines and substantial amounts of U.S. dollars, which have been confiscated as evidence. Minkah emphasized, “If you’re a foreigner and caught trading gold illegally, you will face the law.”
Act 1140, passed earlier this year, granted a transition period for foreign operators to exit Ghana’s domestic gold market, ending on April 30.
The law reserves the right to trade gold locally exclusively for the Ghana Gold Board. Minkah highlighted that the legislation aims to restore integrity to Ghana’s gold sector, reduce smuggling, and ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits Ghanaians.
Moving forward, GoldBod plans to intensify surveillance and collaborate closely with national security agencies to ensure full compliance with the new regulations. “The rules are clear. Foreigners can no longer operate in our local gold trade. There will be no excuses moving forward,” Minkah asserted.
This crackdown underscores Ghana’s commitment to regulating its gold industry and preventing illegal activities that undermine the economy and the environment.
