The Ministry of Finance has inaugurated the Gold Board Tribunal, a newly established independent body designed to handle disputes and appeals arising
The Ministry of Finance has inaugurated the Gold Board Tribunal, a newly established independent body designed to handle disputes and appeals arising from decisions of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod).
The inauguration ceremony, held in Accra, was led by the Minister for Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, who swore into office the first chairperson and members of the tribunal.
The tribunal’s creation stems from the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, which seeks to strengthen oversight and dispute resolution within the country’s gold sector.
For years, players in the mining and gold trading industry have raised concerns over delays and perceived unfairness in licensing and regulatory decisions.
The tribunal, according to government officials, is meant to serve as a corrective mechanism by providing affected parties with a transparent appeals process equivalent in authority to High Court rulings.
The leadership of the tribunal
Taking the oath of office were Chairperson Biadala Mortey Akpadzi and members Hamidu Mariam and Justin Pwavra Teriwajah.
Their appointments reflect a balance of legal, commercial, and mining expertise, in line with the law’s requirements.
The tribunal will sit on an ad-hoc basis, convening whenever appeals or disputes are brought before it.
In his remarks, Dr. Forson underscored the government’s commitment to building credibility and fairness in the gold industry, which remains Ghana’s leading export sector.
He stressed that the tribunal is not just an administrative tool but a safeguard for due process.
“The GoldBod Tribunal must serve as a transparent and impartial forum where disputes are resolved with professionalism, integrity, and independence,” he said.
Structure and mandate
By law, the tribunal is tasked with reviewing appeals related to GoldBod’s decisions, particularly concerning licensing and cases handled by the Dispute Resolution Committee.
Its decisions carry the same weight as High Court judgments, though they can be challenged at the Court of Appeal.
Key features of the tribunal include:
Mandate: Handle appeals against GoldBod’s regulatory and licensing decisions.
Composition: A chairperson with significant legal or industry experience, and two additional members with expertise in mining law or commerce.
Authority: Tribunal rulings are binding, with only the Court of Appeal as the next recourse.
Operation: Ad-hoc sittings to address cases when necessary.
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