GoldBod Opens Applications for Jewellery, Fabrication, and Refinery Licences

By: Nana Kwasi Roka

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has officially opened applications for the issuance of licences for Jewellery and Fabrication (Categories A, B and C) as well as Refinery operations, effective Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

The move forms part of GoldBod’s mandate under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140) to formalize and regulate downstream gold value-addition, strengthen compliance and ensure sustainable growth of Ghana’s gold industry.

According to the Board, only duly licensed persons are authorised to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, fabrication and refining. It cautioned that operating without a valid GoldBod licence constitutes a criminal offence punishable under Act 1140.

All previous licences issued by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources for gold refining or fabrication have been rendered invalid under the new legal framework. Existing businesses are therefore required to regularize their operations by applying for a new licence no later than December 31, 2025.

Applications are to be submitted exclusively online via the official website – www.goldbod.gov.gh. Manual or walk-in submissions will not be accepted.

The new licence categories include:

Category A – for Ghanaian sole proprietors and small-scale artisans producing jewellery for local sale;

Category B – for Ghanaian medium-sized manufacturers producing for both local and export markets;

Category C – for large-scale local or foreign companies producing jewellery and castings for local and export sales;

Refinery Licence – for entities seeking to operate gold refineries in Ghana.

Applicants are advised to review all requirements, including business registration, tax and SSNIT clearance and operational readiness documents, before applying.