Editor’s Note
This article outlines the Ghana Gold Board’s new licensing initiative, a significant move to formalize and regulate the country’s downstream gold sector. The launch of applications for Jewellery, Fabrication, and Refinery Licences aims to enhance oversight and promote sustainable industry growth under the new legal framework.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially opened applications for Jewellery and Fabrication Licences under Categories A, B, and C, as well as for Refinery Licences, effective Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
The initiative marks a major step in the Board’s efforts to formalize Ghana’s downstream gold value-addition sector, strengthen regulatory oversight, and ensure sustainable growth within the industry in line with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
According to a statement issued by the Media Relations Unit of the Ghana Gold Board, the new licensing framework replaces all previous licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for gold refining, jewellery fabrication, and related operations. Under the new law, all existing operators are required to regularize their activities by obtaining fresh licences from GoldBod before the deadline of December 31, 2025.
the statement emphasized.
GoldBod warned that any person or company operating a refinery, jewellery manufacturing, or gold fabrication business after December 31, 2025, without a valid licence would be committing a criminal offence. The statement further noted that the deadline is non-extendable.
Applications are to be submitted exclusively through the GoldBod website, www.goldbod.gov.gh, as manual or in-person submissions will not be accepted. Interested applicants have been advised to carefully review eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and fee schedules available on the website before applying.
The Board outlined four categories of licences now open for application:
Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category A: For Ghanaian sole proprietors and small-scale businesses producing jewellery and castings solely for the local market.
Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category B: For fully Ghanaian-owned medium-sized businesses engaged in local and export production.
Jewellery & Fabrication Licence – Category C: For large-scale local and foreign companies involved in both domestic and export fabrication.
Refinery Licence: For entities seeking to operate gold refineries in Ghana.
Applicants are required to visit www.goldbod.gov.gh, create or log into their accounts, select the relevant licence category, complete the online form, and upload all supporting documents, including business registration details, KYC information, beneficial ownership disclosures, tax and SSNIT clearance certificates, and proof of operational readiness.
Payments are to be made through the Board’s approved electronic channels. Applicants will receive automated updates on the progress of their submissions and any interview schedules via email and their registered accounts.
The Ghana Gold Board urged all stakeholders to comply with the new licensing regime, describing it as a key pillar of the government’s vision to strengthen Ghana’s position as a global hub for responsible gold processing, refining, and value addition.
For further information, applicants may visit www.goldbod.gov.gh or contact the Licensing Office via email at [email protected].