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.
Mr Seidu was found in possession of approximately 9.2 kg of a substance confirmed to be gold, with an estimated value of GHS 10.2 million. Mr Gyamfi described this as the most elaborate gold smuggling case uncovered by the GoldBod since its establishment.
Following the initial arrest, further investigations by the GoldBod 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 Mr Gyamfi, the company and its couriers allegedly purchased over 100 kilograms of gold—valued at more than GHS100 million—from NK Bernak Enterprise within the last two months alone.
All three suspects have been arraigned before the High Court on charges that include facilitating and transporting gold without authorisation. After two weeks in NIB custody, they were granted bail, though conditions have yet to be met.
The Ghana Police Service and the GoldBod Taskforce are actively pursuing four other suspects who are at large: Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli, also known as Salam; Muhammed Afsah Puthalan; Abdul Karim; and Sadique Abubakar.
The GoldBod has secured arrest warrants and announced a bounty of GHS 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.
The 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, the GoldBod has suspended the licence and closed the offices of NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa. Additionally, the business premises of RAFMOH Jewellery at Palace Mall in Accra have been closed due to their connection to the syndicate.
Mr Gyamfi reaffirmed the 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.
