By 
On April 29, 2025, Ghana took a significant step in its fight against illegal gold trading and smuggling with the arrest of three Indian nationals by the GoldBod security taskforce. The suspects, identified as Goutam Katriya (35), Miraj Sarvaych (22), and Manash Damani (42), were apprehended at their residence near Atinga Junction in Kumasi, which had been converted into an illicit gold trading hub.
This operation, as announced by Sammy Gyamfi, Acting Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), marks the beginning of what GoldBod officials describe as a “ruthless war” against illegal gold activities that have long plagued the nation’s economy and environment.
The Arrest: A Blow to Gold Smuggling Networks
The arrests followed a tip-off from a whistleblower who alerted authorities to the suspects’ activities. They were allegedly purchasing gold at black market rates with the intent to smuggle it out of the country.
During the operation, the GoldBod taskforce, in collaboration with National Security, recovered 4.363 kilograms of gold, 1.9 million Ghana cedis, 4,500 Indian rupees, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder, and an Indian passport. These findings underscore the scale of the operation and the suspects’ deep involvement in the illicit trade.
Preliminary investigations revealed that none of the suspects possessed a valid license to trade gold in Ghana, nor could they provide residence permits, work permits, or tax payment records despite operating in the country for over a decade.
The suspects were allegedly working for Unique MM, a company owned by a Ghanaian, Musah Salifu, who is believed to be a front for Goutam Katriya, the real beneficial owner of the operation. This arrangement highlights a common tactic used by foreign nationals to bypass Ghanaian laws restricting gold trading to licensed local entities.
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit Court on April 28, 2025, and remanded into custody for two weeks, with their next court appearance scheduled for May 12, 2025. Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, Director of Investigations at National Security, addressed the media in Accra, emphasizing that the suspects were part of a larger network smuggling gold to India through unapproved border points.
“This has serious negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy,” he stated, noting that such activities deprive the nation of vital revenue and exacerbate environmental degradation.
The GoldBod Act of 2025: A New Era of Regulation
The arrests come in the wake of the Ghana Gold Board Act (ACT 1140), 2025, which was passed by Parliament on March 29, 2025, and assented to by the President on April 2, 2025. This landmark legislation establishes the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) as the sole buyer, seller, assayer, and exporter of gold produced by the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The Act also grants GoldBod inspectors powers akin to those of police officers, allowing them to conduct searches, seize illegally traded gold, and arrest offenders.
A key provision of the Act, effective May 1, 2025, bans all foreigners from trading in the local gold market. Foreigners wishing to engage in the trade must now apply directly to GoldBod to purchase gold, ensuring that all transactions are regulated and transparent. Additionally, GoldBod has mandated that all gold trading be conducted in Ghana cedis at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate, a measure aimed at curbing the use of foreign currencies in the black market and stabilizing the local economy.
The Act also invalidates all previous licenses issued by the PMMC or the Minister of Mines to non-large-scale mining entities, requiring traders to reapply for a GoldBod license by April 22, 2025. This transition period, which allowed existing license holders to operate until April 30, 2025, was designed to respect contractual obligations while paving the way for stricter oversight. However, as Chief Superintendent Alhassan warned, “A breach of these directives shall constitute a punishable offense under the GoldBod Act.”
The Broader Context: Ghana’s Gold Smuggling Crisis
Ghana, Africa’s top gold producer and the sixth largest globally, has long grappled with the challenges of illegal gold mining and smuggling, locally known as galamsey. The practice has surged in recent years, driven by rising global gold prices—up nearly 40% over the past year—and the involvement of foreign actors, particularly Chinese businessmen who have introduced more sophisticated mining techniques. A 2022 report by Swissaid estimated that billions of dollars’ worth of gold is smuggled out of Africa annually, with Ghana bearing a significant share of the loss.
The economic impact of this illicit trade is staggering. In 2022, Ghana faced a severe economic crisis, requiring a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. While the country should be capitalizing on its gold reserves, commercial refineries lie idle, and the government struggles to collect taxes and royalties from the ASM sector. The smuggling of gold through unapproved routes not only deprives Ghana of revenue but also undermines efforts to formalize the mining industry and ensure that profits benefit local communities.
Beyond economics, the environmental toll of illegal gold mining is catastrophic. Mercury and other heavy metals used in extraction have contaminated over 60% of Ghana’s water sources, according to the Water Resources Commission. The Pra River, once a lifeline for communities, is now so polluted that artist Apeti used its discolored water as paint to depict the devastation—a phenomenon WaterAid has termed “ecocide.” Forests have been decimated, and farmland rendered unusable, threatening food security and livelihoods.
A Call to Action: Protecting Ghana’s Future
The arrests by the GoldBod taskforce signal a renewed commitment to tackling these challenges head-on. Chief Superintendent Alhassan’s assertion that “this arrest is only the beginning” reflects the government’s determination to dismantle smuggling networks and enforce the GoldBod Act. The taskforce, established in collaboration with National Security, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Defence, is already gathering intelligence on other illegal gold traders, with more arrests expected in the coming weeks.
Public response to the arrests has been overwhelmingly positive. On X, users like @MuftiLamar called for the suspects to be “brought to book,” while @SierraSec_NG emphasized the need to “save our country” from the scourge of illegal mining. @Iamedemgabby2 praised the taskforce, noting, “Good job done.” These sentiments reflect a growing public demand for accountability and reform in the gold sector.
However, the fight against illegal gold mining and smuggling is far from over. While the GoldBod Act provides a robust framework for regulation, its success will depend on consistent enforcement and public cooperation. Past efforts to curb galamsey, such as raids on mining sites and the deployment of naval boats to patrol water bodies, have often been undermined by the resilience of miners who return under the cover of night. Addressing the root causes of illegal mining—such as unemployment and lack of alternative livelihoods—will be crucial to ensuring long-term success.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Path Forward
As Ghana moves toward a more regulated gold industry, the GoldBod must prioritize transparency, community engagement, and environmental restoration. Licensing processes should be accessible to small-scale miners, many of whom turned to galamsey out of economic necessity. At the same time, the government must invest in alternative livelihoods and education to reduce reliance on illegal mining.
Internationally, Ghana’s efforts to combat gold smuggling could set a precedent for other African nations facing similar challenges. By strengthening its regulatory framework and cracking down on illicit trade, Ghana can reclaim its rightful share of gold revenue, stabilize its economy, and protect its natural resources for future generations.
The arrest of Goutam Katriya, Miraj Sarvaych, and Manash Damani is a promising start, but it is only the first step in a long journey. As Chief Superintendent Alhassan aptly stated, “We know that the arrested suspects smuggle gold through unapproved border points into India. We are still gathering intelligence on several illegal gold traders and smugglers. And very soon, we shall take necessary action.” For the sake of Ghana’s economy, environment, and people, let us hope that this promise is fulfilled.
1 Comment