The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the uncovering of what it describes as the most elaborate gold smuggling operation detected since its establishment, involving Rafmoh Gold Ltd and NK Bernak Enterprise.
At a press conference on Tuesday, September 16, in Accra, GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., revealed details of the sophisticated operation, which has already led to multiple arrests, prosecutions, and the suspension of licenses linked to the illegal network.
The breakthrough began with a whistleblower alert that led to the arrest of Abdul Razak Seidu on August 27 at the Winneba junction. Seidu was found carrying 9.2 kilograms of gold valued at approximately GHS10.2 million.
“This case represents the most elaborate gold smuggling syndicate ever uncovered by the GoldBod.
“We owe this success to the vigilance of a patriotic Ghanaian who provided critical intelligence.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer
Subsequent investigations by the GoldBod Taskforce revealed deeper links to a wider syndicate. Authorities arrested Bernard Nkrumah, a Tier 2 licensed gold buyer operating under NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa, and Ibrahim Aremeyaw, identified as a close associate of Rafmoh Gold Ltd.
Rafmoh Gold at the Centre of Operation
Investigators allege that Rafmoh Gold Limited orchestrated and financed the smuggling scheme. Evidence suggests that the company, working through couriers and associates, illegally purchased more than 100 kilograms of gold worth over GHS100 million from NK Bernak Enterprise within just two months.
“All suspects have been arraigned before the High Court and charged with offenses including facilitating gold smuggling, transporting gold without authorization, and engaging in illegal gold trade.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer
The accused, after being remanded for two weeks in the custody of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB), were granted bail, although conditions have not yet been met.
GoldBod disclosed that four additional suspects, Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli (alias Salam), Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim, and Sadique Abubakar remain at large.
Arrest warrants have been issued for them, and the organization has announced a GHS1 million bounty for information leading to each of their captures.
“We are calling on the public to assist law enforcement by providing any credible information.
“Anyone with leads should report to the nearest police station or contact GoldBod through our toll-free hotlines.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer
In the wake of the revelations, GoldBod noted that it has suspended the license of NK Bernak Enterprise and closed its Tarkwa offices.
Similarly, the business premises of Rafmoh Jewelry, located at the Palace Mall in Accra, have been shut down due to their alleged ties to the smuggling syndicate.
“These actions send a clear message: the GoldBod will not hesitate to act decisively against individuals or entities that undermine the integrity of Ghana’s gold trade.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer
Commitment to Clean Gold Trade
GoldBod has positioned itself as a central player in Ghana’s efforts to formalize and regulate the gold trade, especially in curbing smuggling, illegal mining, and illicit exports.
The agency insisted that strict enforcement is essential to safeguard national revenue and protect the reputation of Ghana’s gold industry on the global stage.
“Our collective survival as a nation depends on ensuring that gold sourced in Ghana is mined and traded responsibly.
“Any person found to be involved in illegal trading, hoarding, or smuggling will face the full rigours of the law without fear or favour.”
Sammy Gyamfi Esq., GoldBod’s Chief Executive Officer
The agency praised the whistleblower whose information sparked the investigation, highlighting the importance of public vigilance in tackling smuggling.
Authorities reiterated that credible tips will not only be acted upon swiftly but also rewarded in line with established whistleblower protections.
The case has drawn significant public attention, not only for its scale but also for its potential implications for Ghana’s gold economy, which remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
By prosecuting offenders, enforcing sanctions, and incentivizing public collaboration, GoldBod aims to deter future smuggling operations and reassert transparency in the sector.
As the prosecutions continue and the bounty hunt intensifies, attention now turns to whether the state can secure convictions and dismantle the wider network behind what officials describe as Ghana’s most significant smuggling case to date.
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