The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has uncovered what it describes as the country’s most elaborate gold smuggling syndicate, arresting and prosecuting suspects while placing a bounty on others still at large.
According to the state regulator, the operation was masterminded by Rafmoh Gold Ltd in collaboration with NK Bernak Enterprise, a licensed gold-buying firm based in Tarkwa.
GoldBod Chief Executive Sammy Gyamfi said one of the couriers, Abdul Razak Seidu, was intercepted at Winneba Junction on August 27 carrying 9.2 kilograms of gold valued at GH¢10.2 million ($690,000). The arrest, made following a whistleblower tip, led to the detention of NK Bernak owner Bernard Nkrumah and Rafmoh associate Ibrahim Aremeyaw.
Investigators allege Rafmoh sponsored couriers to illegally purchase over 100 kilograms of gold worth more than GH¢100 million from NK Bernak within the past two months. The three arrested suspects face charges including facilitating smuggling and transporting gold without authorization. They remain in custody despite being granted bail by a High Court.
Four other suspects Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli, also known as Salam, Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim, and Sadique Abubakar are currently on the run. GoldBod has secured arrest warrants and placed a GH¢1 million bounty on each.
Meanwhile, the regulator has suspended NK Bernak’s licence and shut down Rafmoh’s jewellery outlet in Accra.
