Effective May 1, 2025, Ghana will prohibit foreigners from trading or purchasing artisanally mined gold within the country. This policy shift, announced by the newly established Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), aims to enhance regulatory oversight, increase government revenue from gold exports, and combat illegal mining activities. Under the new law signed by President John Dramani Mahama on April 2, only GoldBod will be authorized to buy, sell, assay, and export gold produced by licensed small-scale miners. Non-compliance will result in criminal charges. The move addresses ongoing issues with illegal gold mining, known locally as \"galamsey,\" which has caused widespread environmental damage and was a key issue in Ghana’s recent presidential election.