Ghana is one of Africa’s top gold producers, with numerous small-scale and large-scale miners extracting this precious resource. For local Ghanaian gold sellers, the opportunity to expand their market internationally is increasingly attractive. However, to legally export gold from Ghana, sellers must follow regulated procedures and partner with licensed entities, especially refineries based in Accra.
Here’s a detailed look at how a Ghana gold seller can sell gold outside Ghana using licensed refineries in Accra for a seamless and lawful export process.
Understanding the Legal Framework
The Ghanaian gold trade is governed by strict regulations overseen by the Minerals Commission of Ghana and the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). Any person or business that wishes to export gold must do so through officially recognized and licensed refineries and export channels. This ensures transparency, proper valuation, and compliance with international standards for traceability and ethical sourcing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling and Exporting Gold from Ghana
1. Obtain the Right Documentation
Before any export activity, a seller must possess the necessary licenses:
Small-scale mining license (if the seller is a miner)
Gold trading license (if the seller buys and sells gold locally)
Gold export license – typically held by the refinery
Only entities authorized by the Minerals Commission and PMMC are permitted to export gold from Ghana.
2. Partner with a Licensed Refinery in Accra
Several reputable and licensed gold refineries operate in Accra. These refineries perform key roles in the export process:
- Assaying and testing: The refinery conducts laboratory tests to determine the gold's purity and value.
- Smelting and refining: Gold is refined into bars of a specific purity (usually 95% or 99.99%).
- Issuing certification: A certificate of assay is issued, which is required for export.
3. Work with the PMMC
All gold exports must pass through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). This government institution plays a central role in:
- Verifying the gold’s origin
- Weighing and sealing the gold after refinery
- Certifying value and approving documents for export
- Monitoring export compliance with international laws
- Without PMMC endorsement, no gold can be legally exported.
4. Secure a Foreign Buyer and Sign a Sales Agreement
The Ghana gold seller must connect with a verified foreign buyer. A formal Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) must be drafted, stating:
- Quantity and purity of gold
- Agreed price per kilogram or ounce
- Delivery terms and payment method (e.g., bank wire transfer)
- Responsibilities for shipping, insurance, and taxes.
5. Complete Export Documentation
Once the gold has been refined and approved by the PMMC, the following documents are prepared:
- PMMC Certificate of Assay
- Declaration (via Ghana Revenue Authority - GRA)
- Bank of Ghana (BoG) export documents
- Shipping documents (airway bill or cargo manifest)
- Invoice and packing list
- These documents are required to move gold across borders and through international customs.
6. Ship the Gold to the Foreign Buyer
The gold is typically transported under secure conditions to the buyer's location via air cargo. Security services, often in partnership with the refinery, handle logistics to ensure the safe transit of the shipment.
Advantages of Using Licensed Refineries in Accra
Compliance: Ensures you meet all legal export requirements.
Trust and Verification: Refineries are transparent and provide assay reports and international standards of purity.
Market Access: Provides credibility to international buyers who prefer dealing with gold certified by recognized refineries and backed by PMMC.
Final Thoughts
Ghanaian gold sellers can tap into the lucrative international market by leveraging the services of licensed refineries in Accra. By adhering to the government’s regulatory framework and working with reputable partners, sellers ensure they operate within the law, minimize risks, and gain access to trusted buyers across the globe.
Whether you're a small-scale miner or a licensed gold trader, your key to global trade lies in compliance, partnership with certified refineries, and transparency throughout the gold export process
