The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially opened applications for Jewellery and Fabrication Licences (Categories A, B, and C), as well as Refinery Licences, effective Wednesday, October 22.

The initiative forms part of the agency’s broader efforts to formalise downstream gold value addition, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote sustainable industry growth in accordance with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a statement issued in Accra, the Gold Board reminded the public that only duly licensed individuals and entities are authorised to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and refining within Ghana.

It cautioned that operating without a valid GoldBod licence constitutes a criminal offence under Act 1140. The Board also clarified that all previous licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for such activities are no longer valid under the current legal framework.

“All existing jewellery manufacturers, fabricators and gold refineries are required to regularise their operations by applying for and acquiring a licence under the Ghana Gold Board Act by 31 December 2025,” the statement said.

“Operating beyond this non-extendable deadline without a valid licence shall constitute a punishable criminal offence.”

The application process will be conducted exclusively through the official GoldBod website — www.goldbod.gov.gh — with no provision for manual or in-person submissions.

Applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility requirements, documentation checklists, and fee schedules before applying.

The new licence categories cater to a range of businesses, from Ghanaian sole proprietor artisans to large-scale local and foreign manufacturers, as well as entities seeking to operate gold refineries in Ghana.