Gold trading license transition deadline extended to June 21 — GoldBod

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced an extension of the deadline for the nationwide transition to its new gold trading license regime. Originally set for May 21, 2025, the new deadline is now June 21, 2025.

In a statement signed by its Media Relations Officer, Prince Kwame Minkah, GoldBod said the decision was made “upon consideration of several petitions from stakeholders.” The extension grants holders of licenses previously issued by the defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources an additional month to operate under their existing authorizations.

“Any person who hold a license issued by the defunct PMMC and/or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources can continue to purchase and deal in gold with the said licenses until 21st June, 2025,” the statement said.

However, GoldBod emphasized that this grace period is final and will not be extended beyond the new date. “Only holders of a GoldBod license will be allowed to purchase, sell or deal in gold after this date,” it stated, adding that any violation will constitute “a punishable offense under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (ACT 1140).”

The Board also clarified that, effective immediately, the export function of licenses issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has been revoked. “Accordingly, no person other than GoldBod as a corporate entity, can export small-scale gold from Ghana, effective immediately,” the statement added.

Despite the firm deadline, the application process for new licenses remains ongoing. “It is worthy of note, that the license application process is an ongoing process and will continue even after the new non-extendable deadline of 21st June, 2025, save that, a person without a GoldBod license cannot trade or deal in gold in Ghana after this deadline.”

GoldBod has urged all interested parties to apply for the new licenses via its official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh, and expressed its readiness to support stakeholders through the transition.

“The GoldBod counts on the cooperation of all stakeholders and the general public as we work to optimize national benefits from Ghana’s gold resources in line with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama,” the statement concluded.