Zainab Alhassan, Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has announced a strict deadline for businesses in the gold value addition sector. Businesses that fail to apply for the necessary Jewellery and Fabrication Licences (Categories A, B, and C), as well as Refinery Licences, by December 31, 2025, will be required to cease operations.
Ms. Alhassan issued a stern warning, stating that any entity continuing operations without the requisite licenses after the deadline would face prosecution.
She explicitly confirmed that no extension would be granted beyond the December 31, 2025 deadline.
“There will be no extension of the deadline,” she stressed. “We strongly encourage all businesses interested in jewellery, fabrication, and refining to apply for their licenses from GoldBod now. After the December 31, 2025 deadline, only duly licensed individuals and entities will be authorized to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and refining within Ghana. Those who continue to operate without a license will be prosecuted.”
Ms. Alhassan reiterated that this move is a key component of the agency’s broader strategy to formalize downstream gold value addition, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote sustainable industry growth, in line with the provisions of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140).
She clarified that while the issuance of these licenses is not new, all previous licenses were issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Under the current legislation, however, those prior licenses are no longer valid.
“Previously, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was in charge of issuing these licenses, but under the new law, GoldBod is now fully responsible for this process,” she explained.
Finally, she confirmed that 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.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
