The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has extended the deadline for compliance with its new gold trading licence regime to 21 June 2025, following multiple petitions from stakeholders seeking more time to adapt to the revised regulatory framework.

The original deadline had been set for 21 May 2025. The extension allows individuals and businesses holding licences previously issued by the now-defunct Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to continue trading until the new date.

GoldBod, however, emphasised that the extension is a one-time concession and will not be renewed.

“Only holders of a GoldBod licence will be allowed to purchase, sell, or deal in gold after 21 June 2025,” the agency said in a statement. While applications for licences may still be submitted beyond the deadline, unlicensed trading will not be permitted.

The Board warned that continuing to operate under obsolete licences beyond the deadline would constitute a punishable offence under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).

In a further development, GoldBod announced that from Thursday, 22 May 2025, export permissions attached to licences previously granted by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources would be rendered invalid. From this point forward, only GoldBod, as a corporate body, is authorised to export small-scale gold from Ghana.

The move is part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of the gold sector and consolidate regulatory control under a single authority.

GoldBod urged interested parties to apply for a licence via its official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh, reiterating that while the application portal remains open, trading without a valid GoldBod licence will be strictly prohibited.

The statement concluded by calling for cooperation from stakeholders and reaffirmed GoldBod’s commitment to maximising national benefit from Ghana’s gold resources in alignment with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.

Source:TheDotNews