The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has launched a nationwide manhunt for four suspected gold smugglers, placing a GH₵1 million bounty on each of them after uncovering what it calls the “most elaborate smuggling syndicate” in its history.
The wanted men — Rafeeq Mohammed Nandoli (alias Salam), Muhammed Afsah Puthalan, Abdul Karim, and Sadique Abubakar — are accused of playing key roles in an illegal network that trafficked over 100 kilograms of gold worth more than GH₵100 million in just two months.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer, Sammy Gyamfi, announced at a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday that the syndicate was sponsored by Rafmoh Gold Ltd and supplied by NK Bernak Enterprise in Tarkwa.
“We are determined to restore integrity to Ghana’s gold trade. Those who smuggle, hoard, or engage in illegal gold transactions will be pursued and punished without fear or favour,” Mr. Gyamfi declared.
The crackdown began on August 27 when the GoldBod Taskforce, acting on a whistleblower’s tip-off, arrested Abdul Razak Seidu at Winneba Junction with 9.2 kilograms of gold worth GH₵10.2 million. This led to further arrests, including that of Bernard Nkrumah, operator of NK Bernak Enterprise, and Ibrahim Aremeyaw, linked to Rafmoh Gold Ltd.
The suspects have since been arraigned before the High Court, charged with offences ranging from facilitating gold smuggling to unauthorised transportation of gold. They remain on bail after two weeks in National Intelligence Bureau custody.
GoldBod has already suspended NK Bernak Enterprise’s license, sealed its Tarkwa offices, and shut down Rafmoh Jewellery’s outlet at the Palace Mall in Accra, as part of its sweeping sanctions.
The Board urged the public to volunteer information on the fugitives through its toll-free hotlines — 0800 44 653 and 0800 44 654 — or at any police station nationwide.
Security analysts warn that the syndicate’s scale highlights how gold smuggling threatens Ghana’s economy, undermines legitimate trade, and strengthens criminal networks.
