Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, will require all gold doré exported by small-scale mining firms to be refined domestically from September 1, under a new directive by GoldBod, the country’s gold regulator. The rule applies to gold purchased by small-scale mining firms under arrangements with approved offtakers and requires every relevant offtake agreement to include a local-refining clause. GoldBod will approve exports only after confirming that the gold has been refined locally, applicable charges have been settled, and assay and regulatory requirements have been met. Firms that export or attempt to export unrefined gold risk sanctions, including suspended or revoked licenses and rejected export approvals. The directive strengthens state control over the sector and aims to capture more value domestically.