The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), the sole statutory authority mandated to buy, sell, assay, grade, value, and export gold and other precious minerals in Ghana, has officially opened applications for Jewellery and Fabrication Licences, as well as Gold Refinery Licences, effective October 22, 2025.
This initiative is a key component of GoldBod’s mission to formalize and regulate Ghana’s downstream gold industry, and it is being implemented under the authority of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
This new legal framework grants GoldBod exclusive oversight over all gold trading, refining and value-addition activities in the country.
In a press statement, the Board issued a clear warning: only genuinely registered and duly licensed persons or entities are permitted to operate in the jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, or refining sectors.
GoldBod stressed that any individual or organization that undertakes such operations without an approved licence will be in direct violation of Act 1140, and such activity will constitute a criminal offence punishable by law.
GoldBod further announced that all licences previously issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for these activities are now null and void under the new law.
Existing operators must reapply under the current licensing regime and bring their businesses into full compliance.
The deadline for doing so has been set for December 31, 2025, and the Board has made it clear that this is a non-negotiable, non-extendable deadline.
Entities that continue to operate after this date without a valid licence will face legal sanctions.
Licensing Categories Explained
To ensure clarity and proper classification, GoldBod has established three distinct classes of jewellery and fabrication licences based on business size, ownership, and market focus.
The first licence category is reserved exclusively for Ghanaian sole proprietors and small-scale businesses that are fully Ghanaian-owned.
This licence allows them to manufacture jewellery and related gold products strictly for local sale within Ghana. This category supports local artisans and small enterprises operating at a modest scale.
The second licence category applies to medium-sized businesses that are entirely Ghanaian-owned and registered in Ghana. These businesses are eligible to fabricate jewellery and other gold items for both local sale and export.
It is designed for companies that have expanded beyond the small-scale level and are participating in international markets, while remaining fully Ghanaian-owned.
The third licence category is designated for large-scale manufacturers, which may be either Ghanaian or foreign-owned. These companies are permitted to engage in the fabrication of jewellery and gold castings for both local and international markets.
This category is intended for high-capacity manufacturers with substantial infrastructure and a broad operational footprint.
GoldBod emphasised that all licence applicants must fall within one of these three classifications and must comply with the specific requirements outlined for each.
Gold Refinery Licences
In addition to fabrication licences, GoldBod is also receiving applications for Gold Refinery Licences. Any entity seeking to operate a gold refinery in Ghana is required to apply through the official GoldBod online portal.
Applicants must first create or log in to a user account at [www.goldbod.gov.gh](http://www.goldbod.gov.gh), where they will be guided through the application process.
Required documentation includes business registration details, beneficial ownership information, Know Your Customer (KYC) forms, Tax and SSNIT clearance certificates, operational permits, and evidence of operational readiness.
Only applications submitted through the official online system will be accepted. Manual or in-person submissions will be rejected outright. All prescribed fees must be paid via the approved electronic payment platforms.
Once an application is submitted, applicants will receive updates regarding their application status, including interview notifications, through their registered accounts and email addresses.
Strict Enforcement Measures in Place
GoldBod has reiterated its unwavering commitment to enforcing compliance with Act 1140. The Board stated unequivocally that any person or company operating without a valid licence after December 31, 2025, will be committing a criminal offence. Legal action will be taken against all violators, without exception.
The Board urged all current and prospective operators in the gold refining and jewellery manufacturing space to take immediate steps to comply with the new licensing requirements. Failure to do so will attract serious consequences, as the Board moves to ensure full regulation of Ghana’s gold sector in line with national priorities and international best practices.
For detailed information on application procedures, eligibility requirements, documentation checklists, and fee structures, interested parties are advised to visit [www.goldbod.gov.gh](http://www.goldbod.gov.gh)or contact the GoldBod Licensing Office through the contact page on the website.
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