The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has extended the deadline for transitioning to its newly introduced gold trading license regime by one month—from May 21 to June 21, 2025.
The decision follows appeals from industry stakeholders seeking additional time to comply with the new regulatory framework.
The announcement was made via an official statement issued on Thursday, May 22, and signed by Prince Kwame Minkah, Media Relations Officer at GoldBod.
The extension allows individuals and entities currently operating under licenses previously issued by the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to continue trading in gold until the revised cut-off date.
However, GoldBod emphasized that this grace period is final and will not be extended.
“Only holders of a valid GoldBod license will be authorised to buy, sell, or deal in gold after June 21, 2025. Licenses issued by the defunct PMMC or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will be rendered invalid beyond that date.
Violations will attract penalties under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140),” the statement warned.
In a significant regulatory shift, GoldBod also announced the immediate revocation of export rights previously tied to the old licenses. Effective May 22, only GoldBod itself, as a corporate entity, is permitted to export small-scale gold from Ghana.
This move centralizes gold exports under a single authority, aimed at improving oversight and curbing illegal trade practices.
Traders and dealers are being urged to begin or finalize their license applications through GoldBod’s official portal at www.goldbod.gov.gh.
While applications can still be submitted after June 21, any trading activity without a valid GoldBod license beyond the deadline will be considered illegal.
The agency called on all stakeholders to cooperate fully as it implements these reforms, which are intended to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainable management of Ghana’s gold resources.
