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Six individuals, including an American and Moroccan couple, arrested for illegal gold trade in Accra.
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Accused face charges of conspiracy, unlicensed gold business, and gold smuggling.
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Bail set at GH¢900,000 each with two local sureties; next court date: October 27, 2025.
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Ghana Gold Board Taskforce used undercover officers to catch suspects conducting illegal transactions.
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Smart Philander reportedly purchased gold from an undercover agent to smuggle abroad.
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Investigation continues to uncover the full scope of the smuggling network.
A couple, along with four other individuals, has been brought before Accra Circuit Court 10 over allegations of participating in an unlicensed gold trade operation. The accused include American national Smart Philander, his Moroccan wife Nina Elfseky, and four Ghanaians: Nana Yaw Sarpong Boateng, Sowa Elisha, Evans Arhin, and Arnold Otutey.
They face charges of conspiracy, engaging in gold business without a license, and smuggling of gold. All have pleaded not guilty. The court granted each defendant bail of GH¢900,000, requiring two local sureties per person, with the next hearing scheduled for October 27, 2025. Chief Inspector Simon Nyaho is leading the prosecution.
According to court proceedings, the Ghana Gold Board Taskforce had been monitoring the accused for some time due to suspicions of involvement in a gold smuggling network. Intelligence reports indicated that the suspects were recruiting individuals to sell gold illegally, with the intent of purchasing and exporting it without the proper licensing.
Undercover officers were deployed to track and document the illicit activities. On September 25, 2025, Philander reportedly contacted one of the agents to purchase five kilograms of gold, claiming it was for export. He guided the officer to his office at SSNIT Emporium, near Marina Mall, where the transaction was conducted using Philander’s own assay equipment. Shortly after the payment was made, law enforcement officials arrested all six suspects.
Investigations remain ongoing to determine the full extent of the operation and any potential accomplices.
Reflective Opinion
This case underscores the persistent challenge of illegal gold trading in Ghana, a country where gold is a major economic resource. The involvement of foreign nationals alongside locals highlights the cross-border nature of the trade and the urgent need for robust regulatory enforcement.
While undercover operations are crucial in uncovering such networks, the case also serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness and the responsibility of legitimate buyers to verify licensing.
Stronger coordination between regulatory bodies, law enforcement, and community stakeholders could help curb the damaging effects of illicit mining and protect Ghana’s valuable resources.
