GoldBod Detains Western North Council Of State Representative Over Gold Transaction Breaches
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has taken into custody a representative of the Western North Regional Council of State in connection with suspected breaches in gold trading regulations, authorities confirmed on Monday.
The detention follows a series of operations by the statutory body aimed at enforcing the Ghana Gold Board Act, which was passed into law in March 2025 to strengthen oversight of the gold sector and clamp down on illegal trade and export practices.
Though officials have not released the full identity of the detained council member, sources indicate the action is related to irregularities in gold transactions and violations of trading rules under the new statutory regime. The representative is alleged to have been involved in dealings that contradict the strict compliance standards now required of all participants in Ghana’s regulated gold industry.
At the scene, GoldBod officials reportedly seized 1.3 kilograms of gold valued at about 1.4 million Ghana cedis along with approximately 1.3 million cedis in cash believed to be linked to the suspect transactions.
GoldBod, which has exclusive authority over the grading, sale, weighing, valuation, and export of gold in Ghana, has intensified its enforcement operations since its formation under the new 2025 legislation. The board has been systematically inspecting gold aggregators, buyers, and others in the value chain to ensure compliance and reduce illicit trading.
In a brief statement, a GoldBod spokesperson confirmed the arrest but said further details would be released as the investigation continues. Law enforcement and regulatory officers are currently reviewing documents and records connected to the transactions to determine the full extent of any violations.
Community leaders and stakeholders in the Western North Region expressed surprise at the development, noting that the rules around gold trading had recently changed significantly with the introduction of GoldBod. Some industry observers say this detention sends a clear message that no individual, regardless of status, is exempt from following legal procedures governing gold trade.
Authorities say the detained council member will be processed according to Ghanaian law, and any charges deemed appropriate based on evidence will be filed in court once investigations are complete.
