The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has secured the arrest of two key suspects wanted in an ongoing criminal prosecution over Gold Smuggling.
In a significant development in the fight against gold smuggling i.e the purchase and sale of gold without license, the board has been on manhunt for individuals who were alleged to have been engaging in this unlawful deal.
According to Gold Board, Abdul Karim Alhassan and Sadique Abubakar, who were earlier declared wanted, have finally been apprehended and made to face the law.
“Both suspects voluntarily turned themselves in and have since been arraigned before the High Court to face prosecution for their alleged involvement in the gold smuggling syndicate.”
GoldBod
The GoldBod added that, both suspects have been charged with offenses related to gold smuggling, conspiracy to smuggle gold, and transportation of gold without a license.
“The court has granted them bail, the conditions of which are yet to be met. Consequently, they remain in lawful custody pending fulfillment of their bail terms and continuation of court proceedings.”
GoldBod
Suspects at Large
The Board further disclosed that two other wanted individuals, Mohammed Afsal Puthalan and Mohammed Refeeq Nandoli A.K.A Salam, remain at large.
The Board urged the public to provide any information on their whereabouts to the Ghana Police Service or the GoldBod, with a “bounty of One Million Ghana Cedis (GHS 1,000,000) per person for credible information leading to their arrest”.
GoldBod’s Mandate and Initiatives
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), a state-owned entity is responsible for the purchase, sale, and export of gold by legislative instrument (L.I 1140).
GoldBod plays a crucial role in regulating the gold trade and ensuring the traceability and legality of gold transactions within the country.
The Board which has been recently rebranded from Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), has been at the forefront of the fight against gold smuggling, which has been a persistent challenge for the Ghanaian economy.
The agency has implemented various initiatives to strengthen its oversight and enforcement capabilities, including the establishment of a dedicated Compliance and Enforcement Unit.
Gold Smuggling Syndicate
The arrest of Abdul Karim Alhassan and Sadique Abubakar reflects a significant step in the GoldBod’s efforts to dismantle the gold smuggling syndicate operating within the country.
As the board stated, the two arrested suspects were part of a group of four wanted individuals showing the GoldBod’s determination to hold all those involved in illegal gold trade activities accountable. The GoldBod also emphasized on share responsibility.
“The public is urged to provide any information on their whereabouts to the Ghana Police Service or the GoldBod.”
GoldBod
Economic Interests and Environmental Sustainability
The successful apprehension of the two suspects and the ongoing pursuit of the remaining individuals involved in the gold smuggling syndicate have far-reaching implications for Ghana’s economic and environmental sustainability.
Gold smuggling not only deprives the government of much-needed revenue but also undermines the country’s efforts to regulate the gold trade and ensure the responsible extraction and export of this valuable resource.
By cracking down on these illicit activities, the GoldBod is safeguarding Ghana’s economic interests and the integrity of the gold industry.
Moreover, the board’s vigilance in addressing gold smuggling contributes directly and indirectly to environmental protection.
Illegal mining and gold smuggling have been linked to the degradation of natural resources, including water bodies and forests.
By dismantling these criminal networks, the GoldBod is as well playing a crucial role in preserving country’s delicate ecosystems therby, promoting sustainable development.
As the GoldBod continues its pursuit of the remaining suspects and strengthens its overall efforts to combat gold smuggling, the public can take solace in the board’s commitment to protecting the country’s economic and environmental interests.
This collaborative approach, together with the robust enforcement of the law, will be instrumental in securing a more prosperous and sustainable future for the country.
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