The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the official opening of applications for new Jewellery and Fabrication Licences, as well as Refinery Licences, effective today, October 22, 2025.
The GoldBod described the initiative as part of a broader national strategy to promote regulatory compliance, sustainable industry growth, and transparency across Ghana’s gold sector.
“This initiative forms part of the GoldBod’s broader mandate to formalize downstream gold value-addition, enhance regulatory compliance and promote sustainable industry growth in accordance with the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).”
Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)
The Board emphasized that this new licensing regime is designed to ensure that all operators in jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and refining adhere to global best practices and operate within the legal framework established under Act 1140.
Transition to a Modern Licensing Framework
According to the GoldBod, all existing licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for gold refining, jewellery fabrication, and related operations are now rendered invalid under the new law.
The Board has therefore directed all existing operators in these sectors to regularize their activities by applying for new licences under the Ghana Gold Board Act before December 31, 2025.
“Operating a gold refinery, jewellery manufacturing, or gold fabrication business without a valid GoldBod licence after December 31, 2025, constitutes a criminal offence and is punishable under Act 1140.”
Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)
The new system aims to create a unified, transparent licensing platform where all applications are processed digitally through the GoldBod’s official website, www.goldbod.gov.gh. Manual or in-person submissions will not be accepted.
Applicants are required to complete all necessary documentation, including business registration certificates, beneficial ownership details, tax and SSNIT clearances, and evidence of operational readiness.
The GoldBod has encouraged applicants to review the eligibility requirements and fee schedules carefully before submitting their applications online.
New Licence Categories Introduced
The Ghana Gold Board has categorized the new Jewellery and Fabrication Licences into three tiers Categories A, B, and C to accommodate different levels of business operations.
Category A covers Ghanaian sole proprietor artisans and fully Ghanaian-owned small-scale jewellery businesses engaged in fabrication solely for local sale.
Category B applies to fully Ghanaian-owned medium-sized manufacturers producing for both domestic and export markets, while Category C targets large-scale local and foreign companies engaged in gold fabrication for domestic and international trade.
In addition, the new Refinery Licence is now open to entities seeking to establish or operate gold refineries in Ghana, a move expected to expand the country’s refining capacity and value addition potential.
“The GoldBod remains committed to ensuring that only duly licensed persons are authorized to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, fabrication, and refining.
“This is not only a compliance measure but a step toward building a sustainable, value-driven gold economy that benefits both Ghanaian entrepreneurs and the national treasury.”
Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)
Ghana, one of the world’s top gold producers, has been pursuing downstream reforms aimed at increasing local value addition to its mineral wealth.
The establishment of the Gold Board earlier this year was a key part of this reform agenda, designed to integrate local artisans, manufacturers, and refiners into a formalized regulatory structure.
By enforcing new licensing standards and compliance mechanisms, the GoldBod hopes to attract international partnerships and foster innovation in jewellery design, refining technology, and fabrication techniques.
The Ghana Gold Board set December 31, 2025, as a strict and non-extendable deadline for all existing operators to regularize their licences.
Beyond this date, any business operating in the gold fabrication, jewellery production, or refining sector without an approved GoldBod licence will be in breach of the law and subject to penalties, including criminal prosecution.
The Board also reiterated its readiness to work with law enforcement and other state agencies to ensure compliance and to clamp down on unlicensed operations across the country.
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