Gold buyers secure EPA waiver to ease licensing burden
The Chamber of Licensed Gold Buyers (CLGB) has successfully secured a waiver of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fees for Tier 1 gold buying licenses. The Chamber is also in advanced discussions to negotiate reduced EPA fees for Tier 2 licenses.
This move follows strategic engagement between the Chamber and the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), the regulatory body overseeing the gold trade in the country. The initiative is expected to ease operational costs and encourage small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the downstream gold buying sector to regularize their businesses.
“We propose working together to achieve the Board’s objectives while also creating economic value for our members. This is a win for our industry, especially for those operating in rural mining communities,” said Kwaku Amoah, CEO of the Chamber.
The EPA fee waiver is part of broader efforts to streamline the gold licensing process while ensuring environmental compliance. Under the new framework, Tier 1 license applicants will benefit from a full waiver of EPA-related fees. Discussions are ongoing to determine a reduced fee structure for Tier 2 licensees, who form a significant portion of applicants.
CLGB operates in key mining regions including the Ashanti, Western, Central, and Northern Regions. The organization views this development as a critical step toward removing longstanding financial barriers that have discouraged gold traders from entering the formal market.
The Chamber recently met with the Ghana Gold Board, led by its CEO Sammy Gyamfi, to review the new licensing regime and to discuss ongoing challenges in the sector, including EPA regulations and enforcement deadlines. According to GOLDBOD, more than 200 applications for Tier 2 licenses have already been received.
Effective June 21, 2025, only entities holding valid licenses will be permitted to buy gold. Unlicensed buyers risk regulatory sanctions, including fines and possible suspension from trading activities.
CLGB and GOLDBOD have reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a responsible and sustainable gold trading environment in Ghana. The partnership is also expected to facilitate smoother licensing processes and more robust compliance mechanisms.
Present at the engagement were key figures in the gold buying community, including Chamber Founder Job Osei Tutu, Co-Founder Daniel Sarpong, and traditional ruler Nana Adjei Sikapa, Omanhene of Nsuta Daboase. Other notable attendees included Michael Kojo Fynn, Emmanuel Simpson, and Eunice Gariba.
The Chamber has announced that comprehensive guidance for Tier 1 and Tier 2 license applications and renewals is now available through its official communication channels.
