Unlicensed gold operators to face nationwide crackdown – GoldBod

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced a nationwide enforcement operation aimed at flushing out unlicensed jewellery manufacturers, gold fabricators, and refineries operating outside the country’s regulatory framework.

In it’s statement, the Board disclosed that investigations have uncovered widespread non-compliance across the gold value chain, with several operators conducting business without the required authorisation. “Some jewellery manufacturers, fabricators, and gold refineries are operating without a valid licence from the GoldBod,” the statement said.

GoldBod stressed that Ghana’s laws permit only duly licensed individuals and companies to engage in gold trading, jewellery manufacturing, fabrication, and refining. Any activity undertaken without approval from the Board, it warned, constitutes a criminal offence under Act 1140. “Engaging in these activities without a valid GoldBod licence constitutes an offence and is punishable under Act 1140,” the Board stated.

The regulator recalled that in October 2025, it granted a grace period to existing operators to regularise their activities. Under that directive, all jewellery manufacturers, fabricators, and refineries were required to complete their licensing processes by December 31, 2025. According to GoldBod, the directive was intended to strengthen oversight, improve traceability, and ensure full compliance within the sector.

However, with the deadline long expired and several operators still in default, the Board said it has no option but to escalate enforcement. Inspection teams are expected to be deployed nationwide from Monday, February 2, 2026, to verify compliance and take action against offenders.

“Inspection teams will be deployed nationwide to ensure that only licensed businesses are involved in jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and refining,” the statement noted.

GoldBod, however, commended companies that have complied with the licensing requirements and have been officially issued with Jewellery and Fabrication Licences. Among those cited were Sourcechain Enterprise, Shepaj Limited Company, Koshuuz Enterprise, M.J. Jewellery Limited Company, Mahmoud’s Jewellery Limited, Agyaba Jewellery, Gold Casting, Goldlovers GH Limited, Wappahs Jewellery, Mahalaxmi Ghana Limited, and Sahara Jewellery Limited Company.

The Board reiterated that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts to safeguard Ghana’s mineral resources and enhance transparency and accountability in the gold trading sector. “GoldBod remains committed to enforcing the laws and regulations that govern the gold trading sector in the spirit of accountability and transparency,” it concluded.