GhanaWeb’s documentary has yielded positive results as govt clamps down on illegal gold traders
The ruling John Dramani Mahama-led government has taken two major actions to clamp down on the illegal gold market, thanks to a compelling documentary by media powerhouse GhanaWeb.
Titled ‘The Gold Market That Fuels Galamsey’, the documentary reveals a hidden, thriving ‘black market’ in the Western Region, where over 100 gold-buying shops operate without licenses and beyond the oversight of regulatory authorities, thereby fueling illegal mining activities.
Following the premiere and official release of the documentary, the initiative has yielded massive results, dominating media discussions and prompting swift action by the government through the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
Here are the two major actions taken thanks to the documentary:
1. Arrest of illegal gold traders
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) launched a series of raids on July 3, 2025, targeting illegal operators and foreign nationals engaged in unauthorised gold transactions.
In a coordinated operation with National Security, GoldBod arrested 10 foreign nationals suspected of participating in illegal gold trading in the Western Region, the very area where the exposé uncovered a thriving black market for gold trading operating outside official oversight.
The suspects were apprehended at a private residence in Asankragua where they were trading without valid licenses.
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.
Briefing the press following the arrests, Sammy Gyamfi, GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, reiterated that the suspects were apprehended at a private residence where they were trading without valid licenses.
Gyamfi confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution under Ghanaian law and that they had already been arraigned before the courts.
In an earlier public address, Gyamfi issued a stern warning, “For those trading gold illegally without a license, we’re coming after you.”
2. Clamp down of illegal gold traders
Another major outcome, thanks to GhanaWeb’s documentary, is the government’s directive to deal decisively with illegal gold traders.
At a June 30, 2025, press briefing, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, warned that anyone trading gold without a valid GoldBod license will be arrested and prosecuted.
“If you are not licensed by the Ghana Gold Board, you are committing a crime if you buy gold or engage in any form of gold trading,” he said.
He emphasised that traders holding licenses under the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) regime can no longer operate unless they reapply under the new GoldBod system.
“We will no longer continue to recognise licenses issued under the old regime,” he added.
GhanaWeb Documentary
In Wassa Akropong alone, GhanaWeb’s documentary team identified over a hundred gold-buying shops operating in the area, with most appearing eager and ready to purchase gold from anyone who walked in without verifying the source or legality of the gold.
There was no effort made, nor any apparent interest shown, in verifying whether the gold came from licensed sources.
The process was simple: hand over the gold and get paid.
Among the gold-buying shops GhanaWeb discovered were: China Market Gold Buying Agent, Amanone Gold Refinery, Champion Gold Refinery, Nyame Na Ayɛ Gold – High Price, Anane Gold Buying Agent, High Price Gold Refinery Base, Givers Never Lack Gold Buying Agent, among others.
GhanaWeb Special: The gold market that fuels galamsey
MAG/MA
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