By Magdalene Andoh
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the immediate suspension of new applications for selected categories of gold buying licences as part of sweeping reforms to strengthen Ghana’s gold trading regime.
In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, the Board disclosed that the suspension affects new applications for Tier 1, Tier 2, and the Self-Financing Aggregator Licence, with immediate effect.
During the suspension period, the Aggregator Licence will be the only gold trading licensing category open for new applications.
GoldBod assured stakeholders that applications submitted prior to the announcement will continue to be processed. The Board indicated that it will fast-track the review and issuance of pending licences, provided applicants meet all regulatory requirements and have fulfilled the necessary fee obligations.
According to the statement, the directive forms part of broader measures to facilitate impending reforms to Ghana’s national gold buying framework.
The reforms are aimed at enhancing transparency, improving regulatory compliance, strengthening traceability systems, and ensuring greater value retention within Ghana’s gold trading ecosystem.
Management of GoldBod reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders across the gold value chain to build a more robust, accountable, and internationally competitive gold trading regime that safeguards the national interest.
Further updates on the reform process and the revised licensing framework are expected to be communicated in due course.
