The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has officially announced the commencement of a new gold trading licensing regime, marking the end of all licenses previously issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Speaking at a press briefing on June 30, 2025, Gyamfi declared that all former licenses expired on June 21, 2025 — a deadline that will not be extended. He emphasized that any gold trading activity conducted without a valid GoldBod license is now considered illegal under the new regulatory framework.

“If you are not licensed by the Ghana Gold Board, you are committing a crime if you buy gold or engage in any form of gold trading,” Gyamfi stated unequivocally. “We will no longer recognize licenses issued under the old regime.”

He stressed that the era of unregulated or outdated licensing is over, noting that permits previously granted by the PMMC or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources are no longer valid.

Despite the expiration of the old licenses, Gyamfi assured that the application process for new GoldBod licenses remains open to all Ghanaians wishing to regularize their operations. He urged stakeholders to take the necessary steps to comply with the law.

“Ignorance of the law is no excuse,” he cautioned. “We are making it clear, one final time, to everyone involved in gold trading across the country: do the needful.”

He further clarified, “We are not closing the door. Anyone interested in trading gold can apply for a license with the Ghana Gold Board at any time.”