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Three suspected gold smugglers arrested by Goldbod Security Taskforce remanded
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Three (3) suspected gold smugglers have been arrested by the GoldBod security taskforce.
The three suspects — Goutam Katriya, 35, Miraj Sarvaych, 22, Manash Damani, 42, are Indian nationals who are in the business of trading gold in Kumasi and Accra for Unique MM, a company allegedly owned by one Musah Salifu.
The suspects were arrested at their private residence around Atinga Junction in Kumasi, which has been converted into a gold trading center.
The arrest was based on a tip off from a patriotic whistle blower that the suspects were purchasing gold at “black market” rate for the purpose of smuggling.
The suspects were arraigned before the Achimota Circuit court yesterday and remanded into custody for a period of two (2) weeks.
At a press conference in Accra, the Director of Investigations at National Security, Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan, disclosed that an amount of 1.9 million cedis, 4,500 rupees, 4.363 kilograms of gold, two counting machines, a CCTV recorder and an Indian passport were found in the possession of the suspects.
Preliminary investigations by National Security so far revealed, that none of the three suspects possess a valid license that allows them to purchase or deal in gold in the country.
The suspects who been dealing in gold in Ghana for over a decade, have not been able to adduce any residence permit or work permit or tax payment records on their business operations.
Additionally, it’s been revealed that Musah Salifu, a Ghanaian, who is alleged to be the sole shareholder of the Unique MM, is only a front for Goutam Katriya, the real beneficial owner and alter ego of the company.
Chief Superintendent Osman Alhassan cautioned both Ghanaians and foreign nationals against violating the provisions of the Ghana Gold Board Act and other laws governing the gold trading sector of the country.
“This arrest is only the beginning of GoldBod’s ruthless war against illegal gold trading and gold smuggling. We know that the arrested suspects smuggle gold through unapproved border points into India. This has serious negative consequences for the Ghanaian economy. We are still gathering intelligence on several illegal gold traders and smugglers. And very soon, we shall take necessary action.” he said.
The suspects are to remain in NIB custody until May 12, 2025, when they are expected to reappear before the court.
In a related matter, the GoldBod has reiterated its directive for all foreigners in the gold trading sector to exit the market by April 30, 2025.
All persons dealing in gold have also been directed to trade in Ghana cedis and at the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
A breach of these directive, shall constitute a punishable offense under the GoldBod Act, 2025 (ACT 1140). This was contained in a Press Release issued by the GoldBod dated 23 April, 2025.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man suspected of running a romance scam that targeted women with false marriage promises, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The suspect, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, was arraigned alongside Sally Akosua Amoasah before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
According to preliminary investigations, Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram. He allegedly told women that “God had revealed” they were his future wives.
To gain their trust, police say he went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings.
Investigators allege the suspect then obtained intimate images of some victims and used them to blackmail them for money.
He is also accused of introducing victims to a fake car tyre business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, he allegedly collected thousands of dollars from them before becoming unreachable.
Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims.
Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police. Investigations indicate the offences date back to 2021.
The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026. Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail.
The Ghana Police Service says it continues to receive complaints from other possible victims.
The Service is urging anyone who may have had similar encounters with the suspect to report to the nearest Police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s tourism industry is in mourning following the sudden death of Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent.
Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra.
He was instrumental in the development and promotion of “The Year of Return,” the flagship tourism campaign that invited members of the African diaspora to return to Ghana in 2019.
The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point that boosted Ghana’s tourism numbers and strengthened cultural ties with Black communities across the world.
Beyond his work with the GTA, Prince Anthony was the Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences and fostering cultural and business connections between the continent and the diaspora.
Colleagues describe him as passionate, strategic, and committed to telling authentic African stories that drive tourism, investment, and pride.
Widely known as Prince Anthony, he served as a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2025 to date.
A former British Army officer and a royal of the Akwamu clan, he brought discipline, vision, and a deep sense of heritage to every role he held
Prince Anthony was also a proud father to two teenagers, whom he deeply cherished.
In a statement, the *Ghana Tourism Authority extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends, and all sympathizers.
“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the statement read.
The statement further added that “We pray for strength for the family during this difficult time.”
Tributes have since poured in from tourism stakeholders, creatives, and diasporan groups who say Prince Anthony’s legacy will continue to shape how the world sees and experiences Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
