Ghana's rulers maintained control over the gold trade by establishing strict regulations and monopolies on the production and distribution of gold, as well as implementing high taxes on gold transactions. They also maintained a powerful military force to protect their control over gold mines and trade routes, ensuring that only they could profit from the valuable commodity. Additionally, rulers enforced strict laws to prevent anyone from smuggling gold out of the kingdom and closely monitored the activities of foreign traders to ensure that they adhered to Ghana's trade regulations.
