Criminal activity involving gold trade in Ghana

Authorities in Ghana are investigating separate criminal incidents involving the gold trade. In the Bono Region, police arrested Gyamfi Christian in connection with a counterfeit gold scam that allegedly defrauded a gold aggregator of GH¢1.1 million. Christian identified three accomplices who remain at large, and investigators suspect the group may be part of a larger syndicate.

In the Western and Ashanti regions, the Ghana Police Service has dismantled an armed robbery gang that targeted gold dealers and mining sites. Intelligence-led operations conducted between August and September 4, 2026, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and the death of 40-year-old Seidu Salifu. During these operations, police recovered three AK-47 assault rifles, 357 rounds of ammunition, five magazines, and two vehicles.

These operations also addressed the August 20, 2026, murder of gold buyer Seth Kobina at Agona Fie. Following an investigation aided by CCTV, police identified 29-year-old Emmanuel Amponsah, known as ‘Vandam’, as the alleged gang leader. Amponsah was arrested on August 21 but reportedly died upon arrival at Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital.

Four other suspects—Christopher Seyiri, Bashiru Ibrahim, Thomas Odoom, and Isaac Quayeson—were apprehended, and police recovered various weapons including pistols, cartridges, a metal bar, and cutlasses. Special police teams have been deployed to affected areas to enhance security and prevent further attacks on traders and residents.