News
Three suspected gold smugglers arrested by Goldbod Security Taskforce remanded
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.
News
GTDC rolls out Accra By Night Tour on Wednesday
The Ghana Tourism Development Company (GTDC) as part of efforts to ensure 24-hour Economy in tourism is rolling out Night Tour from Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
This forms part of initiatives outlined the Chief Executive Officer of GTDC, Professor Kobby Mensah, for the growth of the tourism industry.
In all, he has created about twelve tourism products and services together with his team.
One of those products, which is Night Tour, he believes, ties into the NDC’s 24-hour Economy concept.
Starting from tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, patrons will converge at the Accra Tourist Information Centre at exactly 7pm for the maiden trip.
Accra By Night, will run from 7pm to 3am.
This would be interspersed with food, drinks, music, and other fun activities.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
President Mahama launches Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support chronic diseases care
The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as The MahamaCares, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to individuals living with chronic diseases across the country.
The Fund seeks to cover the cost of care and medication for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) not currently included under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), thereby complementing it by supporting critical aspects of these conditions.
Additionally, the Fund will invest in health infrastructure, medical equipment, specialist training, and research to enhance access to quality healthcare.
Delivering the keynote address at the launch ceremony, President Mahama described the Fund as a vital component of his administration’s broader agenda to build a resilient and inclusive health system.
He emphasized that MahamaCares is designed to support specialist-level treatment for a wide range of chronic illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, stroke, among others.
The President underscored the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that every Ghanaian, regardless of income or location, has access to essential healthcare.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, hailed the initiative as a groundbreaking intervention that reflects the President’s deep empathy for individuals burdened by chronic NCDs.
He described MahamaCares as a bold step toward greater equity and compassion in healthcare financing.
The Minister called on all heads of agencies under the Ministry of Health, as well as collaborating institutions critical to the implementation of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, to offer their full support.
“Together, we can ensure the successful realization of this transformative, life-changing initiative,” he stated.
He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all Ghanaians and identified the Ghana Medical Trust Fund as a key instrument in achieving that vision.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, civil society, and development partners.
