By Philip Antoh
In a renewed effort to combat illegal gold activities in the country, the Ghana Gold Board (GGB), along with its taskforce and the National Security, has successfully apprehended 25 individuals involved in the unauthorized fabrication, trading, and smuggling of gold.
The arrests occurred in two separate incidents after weeks of intelligence-driven surveillance and coordinated enforcement actions aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and enhancing accountability in the gold value chain.
Speaking to the press, Deputy CEO Mr. Richard Nunekpeku stated that on November 5, 2025, five individuals, including four Indians and one Ghanaian, conspired to commit a crime by fabricating gold without a license, violating section 23(1) of the Criminal Offense Act 1960 (Act 29) and Section 26(3) and (5) of the Goldbod Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
Mr. Nunekpeku mentioned that in the first incident, Bhaskar Jashu, Manog Mal, Susajit Senti, Sardar Prennath, and Victoria Minkah were arrested at a jewelry shop in Dome Pillar 2 based on intelligence.
He explained that the operation took place around 4 PM, with a combined team of GoldBod investigators and SWAT personnel from National Security proceeding to the location to carry out the arrests.
Among the items seized as evidence were 26 pieces of GRA moissante emerald stones, 19 rings believed to be gold, six pieces of 10 Karat yellowish metals suspected to be gold, a CCTV Hikvision decoder, and a mouse. Additionally, one Samsung A16 phone, one Oppo A16 phone, one REDMI 15 C, and one VIVO Y02 mobile phone belonging to the suspects, as well as a locked ash metallic safe were also recovered.
During questioning, the Deputy CEO reported that the suspects confirmed they were employed by Bhaskar Jashu, the owner of ‘Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited,’ which is involved in jewelry manufacturing.
Later, Bhaskar Jashu went to the GoldBod office with the safe key and identified himself as the owner of “Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited.”
He mentioned that Jashu was formally arrested to help with investigations, during which he willingly opened the safe that held the following items: GHS 22,670.00, 34 assorted rings, one chain necklace, and 22 rings.
Additional items found in the safe included 50 rings, two cufflinks, six lockets, two earrings, and three gold bars believed to be gold, among other things.
On November 7, 2025, a report confirmed that the three gold bars retrieved from the safe were indeed gold bars valued at GHS 453,032.73.
In a second incident on November 6, 2025, 20 individuals, both Ghanaians and foreigners, were arrested for engaging in illegal gold trading and smuggling at Legend Precious Metal in Achimota-Akweteman.
During the arrest, the team found eight metal bars suspected to be gold hidden in various locations on the company’s premises, and further checks revealed legal documents, including purchase and sale agreements for gold trading among the accused, as well as assaying reports and receipts.
A total of $112,500 and GHS 64,014.00 were also seized during the operation, along with side arms from two suspects, Clement Agbaglo and Emmanuel McAddy.
Mr. Nunekpeku stated that further investigations showed that Legend Precious Metal had not been granted a license by the Ghana Gold Board; however, the accused had been assaying and smelting gold at the premises with documented records of gold trading through Togo.
Moreover, investigations uncovered a scheme by the accused (managers of Legend Precious Metal) and Gabriel Sewornu to defraud unsuspecting victims.
The individuals arrested in the second operation include Gabriel Sewornu, Lucia Al Yaziji, Duncan Finlay Macinnes, Erik Manuel Belloran, Demian Perrone, Domenic Vasiljkovic, Panagiotis Jordanidis, Alex Ivanov, Emmanuel Mcaddy, and Kwesi Opare.
The others are Gilbert Nordzro, Magdalene Etwude Yeboah, Charles Ohemeng, Francis Atta, Michael Narh, Steve Hanson, Clement Agbaglo, Haruna Adams, Jerry Nananu Gli, and Chris Atsitsogbe.
The Board is warning all participants in the gold trade—licensed buyers, exporters, and dealers—to strictly follow established procedures and only conduct transactions with the Ghana Gold Board.
“We are committed to protecting Ghana’s gold resources for the benefit of all citizens,” he said.