Some of the arrested foreign nationals

GhanaWeb’s "The Gold Market That Fuels Galamsey" documentary, which revealed a thriving black market operating outside official oversight, has generated intense conversations and reactions, including from the John Dramani Mahama government.

Following the broadcast of the exposé, which highlighted the proliferation of unlicensed gold shops in Wassa Akropong in the Western Region, the government has cracked down on illegal gold traders in the area.

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which oversees Ghana’s gold trade, in a coordinated operation with National Security, arrested 10 foreign nationals suspected of participating in illegal gold trading in Asankragua in the Western Region.

The suspects were apprehended at a private residence where they were trading without valid licences. Authorities seized 1.3 kg of gold (valued at nearly GH¢1.4 million), an equivalent amount in cash, a pump-action gun, and several alleged money-laundering casino cards.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after the bust, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, stated that the 10 foreigners arrested would be arraigned before court on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

"By tomorrow, they will be arraigned before court. We will be praying the court remands them into custody for further investigations, and it is our hope that we will get a favourable outcome," he said.

He stated that all persons, including foreigners, caught engaging in illegal gold trade would face full prosecution in accordance with Ghana’s laws.

“We mean business, and this time around, you cannot engage in illegal gold trading and gold smuggling and go scot-free.

"The grace period is over, and we have given countless warnings upon warnings. And so when you are arrested now, there will not be anything like deportation," he said.

GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey