The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has extended the deadline for transitioning to its new gold trading licence regime from 21st May 2025 to 21st June 2025.

The decision follows what the Goldbod describes as “several petitions from stakeholders” requesting additional time to comply with the new regulatory framework.

As a result, individuals and businesses currently holding licences issued by the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources may continue trading in gold until the new deadline.

However, GoldBod stressed that this is a one-time, non-extendable extension.

“It must be emphasised that even though a person may apply for a GoldBod licence beyond the new non-extendable deadline of 21st June 2025, only holders of a GoldBod licence will be allowed to purchase, sell or deal in gold after this date,” the statement read.

Goldbod warned that the use of licences issued by the defunct entities will be strictly prohibited beyond the new deadline and that violations will constitute a punishable offence under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a significant update, GoldBod further announced that, effective Thursday, 22nd May 2025, the export function attached to licences previously issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would cease to be valid.

“Accordingly, no person other than GoldBod as a corporate entity can export small-scale gold from Ghana, effective immediately,” the statement added.

This move is aimed at tightening regulatory oversight and streamlining gold exports under one institutional authority.

The GoldBod urged all those interested in dealing in gold to apply for a licence through its official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh.

It clarified that the application process remains open even after the June deadline but reiterated that unlicensed trading will not be tolerated.

The Board concluded by seeking the cooperation of all stakeholders, affirming its commitment to “optimising national benefits from Ghana’s gold resources in line with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.”