The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has announced the immediate suspension of applications for selected categories of gold buying licences as part of sweeping regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening and modernising Ghana’s gold trading regime.

In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, and signed by Management, GOLDBOD, disclosed that the suspension affects new applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Gold Buying Licences, as well as the Self-Financing Aggregator Licence.

However, the board clarified that during the suspension period, the Aggregator Licence will remain the only gold trading licence category open to new applicants.

GOLDBOD assured stakeholders that all applications submitted prior to the announcement will continue to be processed.

According to the statement, the Board will fast-track the review and issuance of pending licences, provided applicants meet all regulatory requirements and have fulfilled the necessary fee obligations.

The directive forms part of broader measures to facilitate impending reforms to Ghana’s national gold buying framework. The reforms are expected to enhance transparency in the sector, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen traceability mechanisms, and ensure greater value retention within the country’s gold trading ecosystem.

Management emphasised that the reforms are intended to position Ghana’s gold trading regime as robust, accountable, and internationally competitive, while safeguarding the national interest.

GOLDBOD further assured stakeholders across the gold value chain of its commitment to collaboration throughout the reform process. It added that further updates regarding the revised licensing framework will be communicated in due course.

The temporary suspension is seen as a strategic step toward restructuring the country’s gold buying architecture to align with evolving regulatory and market demands.