Introduction
In a bold move to sanitize and restructure the gold trade in Ghana, the government has introduced a new regulatory body — Ghana GoldBod. This institution has officially replaced the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) as the authority overseeing gold buying, selling, assaying, and exporting, especially in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
At GOLDMART GHANA, we understand how crucial this development is to our partners, clients, and stakeholders. This blog post aims to simplify the new policy, break down what it means for local gold dealers, and share our expert take on how to navigate this change successfully.
What is Ghana GoldBod?
Ghana GoldBod is a newly established government entity tasked with:
• Licensing gold dealers
• Purchasing, assaying, and exporting gold on behalf of the state
• Regulating all gold trade from small-scale miners
The goal is to clamp down on illegal mining, boost government revenue, and ensure environmental protection through better regulation.
Key Changes Local Dealers Should Know
1. PMMC Licenses Are Now Invalid As of April 2, 2025, all gold trading licenses issued by PMMC have been revoked. Local gold dealers must now apply for new licenses from GoldBod, regardless of their past registration status.2. Only Ghanaians Can Trade Locally Foreign nationals and foreign-owned companies can no longer participate in the local gold market. This is a major shift aimed at preserving the value of Ghana’s gold for Ghanaians and limiting capital flight.
3. Centralized Gold Trading All purchases from small-scale miners will be managed by GoldBod. Local dealers can only buy or sell gold through GoldBod-approved channels.
4. Application Opens April 22, 2025 Dealers must reapply for new trading licenses starting April 22, 2025. The application can be done at GoldBod’s office in Accra or online when the portal opens.
How This Affects Local Gold Dealers
Pros:• Better Regulation
The gold trade will be more transparent, reducing the risk of dealing with unlicensed or illegal operators.
• Level Playing Field
With foreign players exiting the local market, Ghanaian dealers will now have more control over pricing and supply.
• Stronger Market Confidence
A regulated and centralized system builds investor trust and promotes the credibility of Ghana’s gold exports globally.
Cons:
• Business Disruption During Transition
Dealers without a valid GoldBod license cannot operate legally after April 30, 2025, which could halt operations temporarily.
• Limited Autonomy
Dealers may face reduced flexibility and independence, as most transactions will now pass through a centralized body.
• Possible Bureaucratic Delays
The licensing process could experience teething problems in the early stages, affecting business flow.
GOLDMART GHANA’s Perspective
As a responsible and licensed gold trading company, GOLDMART GHANA supports initiatives that strengthen the gold industry. We believe Ghana GoldBod will usher in a new era of integrity, value retention, and sustainable development within the sector.However, we also acknowledge the concerns of local dealers. That’s why we are committed to:
• Educating our clients and partners on compliance
• Facilitating a smooth transition through legal advisory
• Working closely with GoldBod to maintain trust and operational continuity
Conclusion
The establishment of Ghana GoldBod is a game-changing reform. While it presents some short-term challenges, especially for local dealers who must adjust quickly, the long-term benefits are promising. Ghana is positioning itself as a globally competitive, ethically regulated gold hub, and all players in the industry — especially local dealers — have a role to play.At GOLDMART GHANA, we’re ready to lead by example. For assistance with licensing or navigating the new system, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.