Small-Scale Miners Association Makes Progress Toward Compliance

Strategic Insights -

The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association in Ghana reports significant improvement in acquiring gold trading licenses, meeting the June 21 deadline set by the Ghana Gold Board. Initially, the process was hindered by lengthy environmental clearance procedures, taking over a week to obtain certificates from the Environmental Protection Agency. However, additional offices have been established to support existing structures, and the licensing process is now prioritized by state institutions, expediting regularization across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Concerned Small Scale Miners Association requested an extension due to documentation delays but was granted a final grace period ending June 21 by the Ghana Gold Board.
  • Association President Michael Kwadwo Peprah stated that the situation has improved significantly, with significant progress toward meeting the deadline.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) certificate acquisition process initially took over a week, but additional offices established at the district level have sped up the process.
  • The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is now prioritizing the licensing process, accelerating the regularization of small-scale miners across the country.
  • Ghanaians or wholly Ghanaian-owned entities can apply for new gold dealer licenses under the Ghana Gold Board Act, commencing April 2025.
  • The Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana, initially requested a deadline extension from the Ghana Goldbod, citing challenges in compiling required documentation.
  • The association cited Tax Clearance Certificates, Business Operating Permits, Environmental Protection Permits, SSNIT Clearance Certificates, GRA Certificates, police reports, and other regulatory documents as necessitating additional time.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 week saved in obtaining certificates from the Environmental Protection Agency.
  • 10 additional offices established at the district level to support existing EPA structures.
  • 90% reduction in processing time for obtaining clearances for gold trading licenses reported by the Association.
  • TG Goldbod issued gold dealer licenses previously granted to small-scale miners operating under the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) or the Minister responsible for Mines.
  • New licenses under the Ghana Gold Board Act now mandatory for Ghanaians or wholly Ghanaian-owned entities seeking to engage in the gold trade.

Sources:

  • Citi News
  • Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)
  • The Ghana Gold Board Act
  • Small Scale Miners Association, Ghana