Ghana Gold Export Laws: Can Foreigners Buy and Export Gold?

Ghana Gold Export Laws: Ghana is one of Africa’s leading gold producers, attracting investors and traders from around the world. The country’s rich gold reserves and well-established mining industry make it a prime destination for those looking to buy gold in Ghana.

However, strict gold export laws regulate how gold can be bought, sold, and exported, particularly for foreigners.

Let’s explore Ghana’s gold export laws, the process of buying gold in Ghana, and whether foreigners can legally export gold from Ghana.

Understanding Ghana’s Gold Mining and Trade Regulations

Ghana’s gold mining and trade sector is regulated by various legal frameworks to ensure compliance and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and money laundering. The key regulatory bodies overseeing the gold trade in Ghana include:

The Minerals Commission of Ghana – Oversees mining activities and issues gold export permits.
The Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) – Acts as the official government body responsible for regulating gold sales and exports.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) – Regulates financial transactions related to gold exports.
Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Ensures that all gold export taxes and duties are paid before shipment.

Foreign investors looking to buy gold in Ghana must comply with these regulations to avoid legal complications.

Can Foreigners Buy Gold in Ghana?

Yes, foreigners can legally buy gold in Ghana, but they must follow strict procedures to ensure the gold purchase is legitimate. The Ghanaian government allows individual buyers and companies to purchase gold under regulated conditions.

Requirements for Foreigners to Buy Gold in Ghana

To legally buy gold in Ghana, foreigners must:

Register a business in Ghana – Foreign buyers must establish a company under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act.
Obtain a gold trading license – The Minerals Commission requires foreign investors to secure a gold trading license to operate legally.
Buy gold from licensed dealers – Transactions should be conducted through government-approved entities such as PMMC-licensed gold dealers.
Pay required taxes and fees – All gold purchases are subject to regulatory fees and taxes.
Conduct due diligence – Foreign buyers should verify the authenticity of sellers to avoid scams.

Can Foreigners Export Gold from Ghana?

Yes, foreigners can export gold from Ghana, but they must comply with strict gold export laws to prevent illegal activities like money laundering and smuggling.

What licenses or permits are required to export gold from Ghana?

Here are the key licenses and permits required to export gold from Ghana:

Minerals Commission License – Foreign buyers must work with a licensed gold exporter accredited by the Minerals Commission of Ghana.
Bank of Ghana Authorization – Approval to repatriate export proceeds through authorized dealer banks.
Gold Export License – Issued to companies legally registered in Ghana to export gold.
Customs Clearance (GRA) – Ghana Revenue Authority verifies taxes, duties, and export documentation.
Assay & Certification (PMMC) – Precious Minerals Marketing Company certifies the purity and weight of gold.
Environmental Permits – Required if exporting from mining operations, ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Legal Process for Exporting Gold from Ghana

To legally export gold from Ghana, foreigners must:

Obtain an export license – Any entity involved in gold export from Ghana must apply for an official export license from the Minerals Commission.
Use the PMMC as an intermediary – The Ghanaian government mandates that all gold exports be routed through the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) for proper documentation and valuation.
Complete necessary documentation – Exporters must provide the following:
- Certificate of Origin
- Export permit from the Minerals Commission
- Assay report from the PMMC
- Customs clearance documents
- Bank of Ghana approval (for financial transactions above set limits)
Comply with export taxes and duties – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) imposes export taxes on gold, which must be paid before shipment.
Ship gold through authorized channels – Only registered shipping companies can transport gold from Ghana to avoid illegal smuggling.

What taxes and government fees apply to gold exports?

Here are the main taxes and government fees that apply to gold exports (varying by country, e.g., Ghana, Congo, Tanzania):

Royalty Tax – Usually 3–5% of the gross value of gold, paid to the government.
Export Duty/Levy – A fixed percentage or fee charged on each shipment of gold.
Withholding Tax – Deducted from export proceeds, often between 5–10%.
Value Added Tax (VAT) – May apply to local transactions before export, depending on regulations.
Assay & Certification Fees – Charged by official bodies (e.g., PMMC in Ghana) for purity and weight certification.
Customs Processing Fees – Paid to the revenue authority for export documentation and clearance.
Environmental & Regulatory Fees – If applicable, tied to mining or sustainability compliance.

Restrictions on Foreigners Exporting Gold

While foreigners can export gold from Ghana, certain restrictions apply:

Unlicensed individuals cannot export gold.
Only entities with a valid gold export license can conduct international gold shipments.
Large-scale exports require additional government approval.

How much gold can you legally export from Ghana at once?

In Ghana, there’s no officially published legal limit on how much gold can be exported at once per person. However, here’s what you need to know:

Export Authority: Since 2025, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is the only body authorized to buy, assay, and export gold produced by small-scale miners—and it manages up to three tonnes (3,000 kg) of gold purchases weekly nationwide.
Export Regulations: Only Licensed Gold Exporters (LGEs) can legally export gold. They must coordinate with the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), submit assay-certified gold, complete customs procedures, and obtain necessary export documentation.
Hand-Carry Limit (Anecdotal): Informal sources suggest a personal hand-carry limit of 1 kg per person, but this isn’t officially confirmed. Buyer discretion and legal advice are recommended.

Common Challenges in Buying and Exporting Gold from Ghana

Foreigners looking to buy and export gold from Ghana may face challenges such as:

Gold Scams and Fraudulent Dealers – Many illegal gold dealers operate in Ghana, selling fake or unlicensed gold to unsuspecting buyers.
Complex Licensing Procedures – Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses can be time-consuming and requires thorough compliance with Ghanaian laws.
High Export Taxes and Fees – The cost of gold export permits, taxes, and logistics can be expensive for new investors.
Regulatory Changes – The government frequently updates gold trade laws, requiring exporters to stay informed about the latest regulations.

Best Practices for Foreigners Buying and Exporting Gold in Ghana

To ensure a smooth and legal gold transaction in Ghana, follow these best practices:

Work with Licensed Gold Dealers – Verify that your supplier is registered with the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).
Obtain All Necessary Licenses – Ensure that you have a valid gold trading and export license before conducting transactions.
Use Secure Payment Methods – Avoid cash payments and instead use bank transactions that comply with Ghana’s financial regulations.
Consult Legal Experts – Work with lawyers and financial advisors who specialize in Ghana’s gold mining laws.
Verify Gold Purity and Documentation – Always check the assay report and legal paperwork before making a purchase.

What are the procedures for gold assaying and certification in Ghana?

In Ghana, all gold exports must undergo assaying and certification by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), the only government-authorized body for this process.

The exporter delivers the raw gold to PMMC, where it is weighed, tested, and assayed to determine its purity and karat level (e.g., 24K, 22K, or 18K).

Once verified, PMMC issues a Certificate of Assay and a Quality Certification Report, which are mandatory for international shipment.

This ensures the buyer receives genuine, accurately valued gold while protecting Ghana’s gold trade from fraud. Certification is compulsory before customs clearance and export.

Penalties for Illegal Gold Export in Ghana

Engaging in illegal gold export in Ghana attracts severe penalties, including heavy fines, confiscation of gold, revocation of mining or export licenses, and possible imprisonment under the Minerals and Mining Act.

Offenders may also be blacklisted from future trade. The government enforces these penalties strictly to curb smuggling, protect foreign reserves, and ensure all gold trade passes through licensed channels like the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC).

Can I pay for gold in foreign currency and repatriate profits legally?

Yes, gold buyers can legally pay in foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, or GBP through authorized banks in Ghana.

Exporters are required to repatriate a portion of the proceeds back into Ghana within a set timeframe, usually 60 days, as per Bank of Ghana regulations.

This ensures compliance with foreign exchange laws while allowing exporters to retain part of their earnings abroad for business operations and profit reinvestment.

Are there restrictions on transporting raw gold versus refined gold?

Ghana allows the export of both raw (doré) and refined gold, but regulations differ. Raw gold exports must be assayed and certified by PMMC, and are usually restricted to licensed small-scale miners and registered exporters.

Refined gold from accredited refineries has fewer restrictions, as it meets international market standards. The government encourages refining within Ghana to add value, so exporters of refined gold may enjoy smoother processes and policy incentives.

How long does it take to process gold export documentation in Ghana?

Export documentation for gold in Ghana typically takes 3 to 5 working days if all requirements are met. The process involves gold assaying at PMMC, certification, customs clearance, and issuance of export permits.

Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete, taxes are unpaid, or further verification is required. However, working with a licensed gold dealer and using experienced freight forwarders can help speed up the export process significantly.

What security and courier services are approved for gold shipments?

For secure transportation of gold, Ghana approves specialized courier and logistics companies such as Brinks, Malca-Amit, Transguard, and G4S.

These companies offer armed security, armored transport, insurance coverage, and international delivery to refineries, vaults, or buyers.

Using approved couriers ensures compliance with customs regulations and reduces theft risk. Exporters must also coordinate with Ghana Customs and airport security to guarantee safe, traceable movement of gold shipments.

How can I avoid fraud and scams when exporting gold from Ghana?

Fraud is common in Ghana’s gold sector, so due diligence is essential. Always work with licensed dealers approved by PMMC, verify company registration with the Minerals Commission, and insist on PMMC assay certificates.

Avoid middlemen promising quick deals or unusually low prices. Use escrow services or bank transfers instead of cash payments.

Engaging trusted lawyers and logistics companies can further safeguard transactions and ensure smooth, legitimate gold exports.

In conclusion, Ghana is a lucrative destination for gold investors, but foreigners must follow strict gold export laws to conduct legal transactions.

While buying gold in Ghana is allowed, it requires obtaining the proper licenses, paying taxes, and following export regulations.

Working with licensed gold dealers and the PMMC ensures a secure and legitimate gold trade experience. By understanding and complying with Ghana’s gold laws, foreign investors can successfully engage in gold exports without legal complications.

Contact Us for Legal Gold Transactions

If you’re interested in buying or exporting gold from Ghana, our expert team can guide you through the process. Contact us today for secure and legally compliant gold transactions.