A $2 million gold fraud scandal involving Sri Lankan MP Muhammed Hizbullah has sent shockwaves through Ghana, with eleven accused fraudsters granted bail as investigations unfold.
The Accra Circuit Court Eight has released eleven suspects on bail after they were accused of defrauding Sri Lankan lawmaker Muhammed Hizbullah in a multi-million-dollar gold transaction scam. The case, which has gained international attention, highlights the growing threat of gold-related fraud in Ghana, where criminal syndicates often target wealthy investors with elaborate schemes disguised as legitimate mining deals.
Those accused include Abdul Rauf Adam, Alhmamoudi Saleh, Yaw Attah Antwi, Osman Suleman, Nhyiraba Dwamena Ra-III, Benzcarl Dwamena, Sanfo Mubassir, Sallah Mammougi, Ahmed Issah, Umaru Pafadenam, and Salifu Suleman. Each was granted bail in the amount of GH¢ 500,000 with two sureties. One surety is required to prove ownership of landed property and deposit the original title certificate with the court. The defendants face charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretence, and attempted fraud. Their pleas were not taken as the investigation remains ongoing, and they are expected to reappear before the court on November 20, 2025.
Police Chief Inspector Jacob Kuubal presented the facts, explaining that the complaint was lodged by officers from the National Security Council Secretariat. According to the prosecution, the accused operated around the Weija SCC area, where they were part of a sophisticated fraud syndicate specializing in duping individuals under the pretext of selling gold.
Investigations uncovered that in 2023, Alhmamoudi Saleh and his accomplices allegedly lured Dr Hizbullah into a fraudulent deal for the supply of gold valued at USD 2 million. Once the payment was made, the accused reportedly failed to deliver the gold and severed all communication with the Sri Lankan politician. The scheme escalated further when the syndicate later reconnected with Dr Hizbullah, this time proposing another deal involving 50 kilograms of gold. In an attempt to make the deal appear legitimate, they even signed a Memorandum of Understanding with him.
The scam began to unravel after Dr Hizbullah filed a formal complaint. Acting on the report, a team from the National Security Secretariat launched an operation at Weija SCC on October 16, 2025, leading to the arrest of the eleven suspects. During the raid, police recovered two yellowish metal bars believed to be gold. These items have since been sent for forensic testing to determine their authenticity.
The case has exposed the vulnerability of foreign investors in Ghana’s gold sector, where fraudulent networks continue to exploit trust and opportunity. With the accused now free on bail, the legal battle is set to continue, and the spotlight remains on how Ghana will tackle the scourge of gold-related financial crimes that tarnish the country’s reputation in the global mining industry.
