Police Arrest Suspect in GH¢1.1m Fake Gold Scam at Berekum

The Bono Regional Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old man, identified as Gyamfi Christian, in connection with a suspected fake gold syndicate operating in the Berekum Municipality.

According to the Police, the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led investigations into a GH¢1.1 million gold fraud case reported by a 29-year-old gold aggregator, Christopher Awuni.

The Police said Awuni reported that, in July 2026, four men posing as genuine gold sellers sold him 110 troy ounces of gold for GH¢1.1 million.

However, the gold was subsequently tested and found to be fake. The suspected counterfeit gold has since been retained by the Police as an exhibit.

The Bono Regional Police Command said sustained intelligence gathering led to the arrest of Gyamfi Christian at his hideout in Wamfie in the Dormaa East District on August 17, 2026.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted his involvement in the transaction and disclosed to investigators that the deal took place at Drobo in the Jaman South Municipality.

Police investigations further indicate that Christian identified three other alleged members of the group.

They are Abraham, alias “Frenchman,” who is alleged to be the leader of the group, as well as Isaac Antwi and Balthazar.

The three alleged accomplices are currently at large, with the Police continuing efforts to locate and arrest them.

The Police said preliminary investigations have also uncovered another alleged fraud linked to the same group.

According to the Bono Regional Police Command, the group is suspected to have defrauded another victim of approximately GH¢1.4 million in a separate transaction at Drobo earlier this year.

The development has widened the scope of the investigation as detectives work to establish the full extent of the suspected fake gold operation.

Gyamfi Christian remains in Police custody and is assisting with investigations while the Police pursue the other suspects.

The Bono Regional Police Command has meanwhile urged members of the public, particularly those involved in gold transactions, to exercise extreme caution when dealing with individuals presenting themselves as gold sellers.

The Command advised prospective buyers to properly verify gold before making payments and to report suspicious activities to the Police.

“The Bono Regional Police Command urges the public to exercise caution when engaging in gold transactions and report suspicious activities to the Police,” the Police said.

The arrest comes amid continued concerns over fraud involving Ghana’s gold trade, where unsuspecting buyers can suffer substantial financial losses when transactions are conducted without proper verification.

The Police say investigations remain ongoing as efforts continue to apprehend the three alleged accomplices who are currently at large.