The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the arrest and prosecution of a gold smuggling syndicate involving Rafmoh Gold Ltd and NK Bernak Enterprise, in what has been described as the most elaborate gold smuggling case uncovered since the Board’s establishment.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the GoldBod Head Office in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., revealed that the syndicate was busted following a tip-off from a patriotic Ghanaian whistleblower.
Arrests and Seizures
On August 27, 2025, the GoldBod Taskforce apprehended Abdul Razak Seidu at Winneba Junction with 9.2 kilograms of gold, valued at approximately GHS 10.2 million. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Bernard Nkrumah, a Tier 2 licensed gold buyer operating in Tarkwa under the name NK Bernak Enterprise, and Ibrahim Aremeyaw, a close associate of Rafmoh Gold Ltd.
Investigators later established that Rafmoh Gold Limited sponsored and masterminded the syndicate, which illegally purchased and smuggled over 100 kilograms of gold, valued at more than GHS 100 million, within just two months.
Court Proceedings and Bail
The arrested suspects have been arraigned before the High Court, facing charges including:
- Facilitating gold smuggling
- Transporting gold without authorization
- Engaging in illegal gold trade
After two weeks in NIB custody, the suspects were granted bail, although conditions are yet to be satisfied.
Wanted Suspects and Bounty
Four other suspects — Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli (aka Salam), Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim, and Sadique Abubakar — remain at large. The Ghana Police Service and the GoldBod Taskforce have secured arrest warrants and placed a GHS 1 million bounty on each of them.
GoldBod is urging the public to provide credible information on their whereabouts by reporting to the nearest police station or the GoldBod Head Office, located at the former Bank of Ghana building on High Street, Accra.
Business Closures and Sanctions
As part of the crackdown, NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa has had its license suspended and its offices shut down. The business premises of Rafmoh Jewelry at Palace Mall, Accra, have also been closed due to their connection with the smuggling syndicate.
GoldBod’s Commitment
CEO Sammy Gyamfi Esq. reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to cleaning up Ghana’s gold sector, stating:
“GoldBod will not relent in restoring integrity to Ghana’s gold trade. Any person or company found engaging in illegal gold trading, hoarding, or smuggling will be dealt with according to the law — without fear or favour.”
