The Ghana Gold Board Taskforce has arrested six individuals — including American national Smart Philander and Moroccan Nina Elfseky — for allegedly engaging in illegal gold trading activities in Accra. The four Ghanaian suspects have been identified as Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.
The suspects were apprehended at the SSNIT Emporium near Marina Mall after weeks of intelligence-led surveillance. They were allegedly attempting to purchase and assay approximately 2.1 kilograms of gold, valued at GH₵2.2 million, without proper authorization under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). Authorities also seized gold refining equipment from the American suspect, believed to be intended for illicit refining within Ghana.
All six have appeared before the Accra High Court and are facing charges including conspiracy to trade in gold without a licence, unauthorized gold trading and assaying, and attempted illegal gold refining — violations of both the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) and the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025.
The Gold Board reaffirmed its commitment to regulating the gold sector, warning both Ghanaians and foreigners that engaging in any aspect of the gold trade without a valid licence is a prosecutable offence. Investigations are ongoing.
