The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially assumed full regulatory control over the purchase, sale, assay, and export of all gold produced by Ghana’s licensed Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector, following the passage of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
In a press statement, the GoldBod announced that all licenses previously issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and/or the Minister responsible for Mines to individuals or entities — except large-scale mining companies — have ceased to be valid with immediate effect.
The statement, signed by Prince Kwame Minkah, Media Relations Officer for the Board, emphasized that GoldBod is now the sole legal authority for ASM gold transactions in Ghana. “No person other than the Ghana Gold Board is permitted to export ASM gold from Ghana,” it noted, adding that only GoldBod-licensed buyers, aggregators, or service providers can purchase or deal in gold locally.
To ensure a smooth transition, however, GoldBod has granted a short grace period. Licensed gold buyers and their off-takers may continue their operations until 30th April, 2025, after which only GoldBod-issued licenses will be recognized.
The Board has also clarified that all gold purchases on the local market must now be made in Ghana cedis, with pricing based on the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
Effective 22nd April 2025, Ghanaians and wholly-owned Ghanaian companies whose licenses have expired—or new entrants interested in gold trading—may apply for new licenses either online (via a soon-to-be-announced GoldBod website) or in person at the Board’s Licensing and Regulations Office in Accra.
Additionally, foreign nationals are required to exit the local gold trading space by 30th April, 2025, though they may apply to purchase gold directly from the GoldBod under special arrangements.
The statement concluded with a strong warning: beginning 1st May 2025, dealing in gold without a valid GoldBod-issued license will constitute a punishable offense.
