The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana has formally appealed to the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) for an additional one-month extension to the current deadline for Gold Buyers Licence applications, citing administrative challenges faced by its members.

In a letter dated May 20, 2025, and addressed to GOLDBOD’s Acting CEO, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, the association’s president, Mr. Michael Kwadwo Peprah, expressed appreciation for the government’s efforts to streamline gold trading and tackle illegal mining, smuggling, and money laundering.

However, the association raised concerns over the difficulty many small-scale miners have faced in gathering the extensive documentation required for the licensing process. These include Tax Clearance Certificates, Business Operating Permits, SSNIT and GRA clearances, Environmental Protection Permits, police reports, and other regulatory documents.

According to the association, the volume and complexity of the requirements have delayed many applicants, with a significant number of online submissions still incomplete.

“We respectfully request a one-month extension to enable more of our members to complete the application process. This would promote broader compliance and support GOLDBOD’s efforts to build a transparent and responsible gold trading system,” the letter stated.

The group emphasised that the request is driven by a desire for fairness and inclusion, reiterating its support for improved regulation in Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.

This latest request follows GOLDBOD’s earlier decision to extend the application deadline from April 30 to May 21, 2025, giving gold dealers and small-scale mining companies an extra three weeks to submit their applications. The extension, announced on April 30 by Mr. Gyamfi, was part of ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth and inclusive licensing process.

As the new deadline approaches, the association hopes the authorities will consider their appeal to ensure that genuine small-scale miners are not left out of the formal gold trading framework.