Ghana Will Require Local Refining of Artisanal Gold From September 1

Ghana’s GoldBod will require Self-Financing Aggregators and their approved offtakers to refine artisanal gold doré in the country before it can be exported, beginning September 1, 2026. The order puts domestic processing at the centre of a gold export stream that reached 104 metric tons in 2025, according to Reuters via Business Day.

Existing offtake agreements must be amended by August 31. GoldBod said noncompliance could result in sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of licences.

Local refining becomes an export condition

The directive covers Self-Financing Aggregators and their approved offtakers—the parties named in GoldBod’s order. From September 1, those parties must have their artisanal gold doré processed in Ghana before export, rather than shipping it in unrefined form.

The timing creates a short transition window for businesses operating under existing offtake arrangements. Agreements in force need to reflect the new local-refining requirement by the day before the mandate takes effect, Reuters reported.

… Continue reading the full article at the original source below.