Why Verification is Critical
Ghana is one of the world’s top gold producers and a hub for international buyers. Unfortunately, it is also a hotspot for fraudulent dealers posing as exporters. Every year, foreigners lose millions of dollars to:
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Fake companies without Minerals Commission approval.
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Individuals promising “direct access” to mines they don’t control.
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Middlemen offering “discounted gold” with no export licences.
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Advance-fee scams that disappear once money is wired.
The truth: only licensed exporters with PMMC (Precious Minerals Marketing Company) authorisation can legally export gold from Ghana.
How to Verify a Gold Exporter
1. Corporate Registration
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Check with the Office of the Registrar of Companies to confirm the entity is registered.
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Verify beneficial ownership and directors.
2. Minerals Commission Licence
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All gold trading/export businesses must be licensed by the Ghana Minerals Commission.
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Licences should be current and verifiable directly with the Commission.
3. PMMC Export Authorisation
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Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) supervises all gold exports.
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Every legitimate shipment must be routed through PMMC for valuation and certification.
4. Tax & Regulatory Compliance
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Verify compliance with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other agencies.
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Ensure no outstanding disputes or sanctions exist.
5. Past Deal History
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Review prior shipments, export records, and references.
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Cross-check names with known scam watchlists and police alerts.
Red Flags to Watch For
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Requests for upfront payments without escrow or secure contracts.
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Use of personal bank accounts instead of corporate accounts.
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Promises of discounted gold well below market price.
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Pressure to act fast without providing documentation.
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Reluctance to route through PMMC for valuation/export.
How Clinton Consultancy Assists
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Licensing Verification: Direct confirmation with Minerals Commission and PMMC.
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Company Checks: Registrar of Companies extracts, beneficial ownership review, tax compliance status.
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Document Review: Vetting of contracts, invoices, export permits, and assay reports.
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Due Diligence Report: Red-flag memo and full due diligence report, typically within 10–14 working days.
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Transaction Structuring: Drafting escrow agreements, international arbitration clauses, and protective contracts.
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Dispute Resolution: Litigation and asset recovery if fraud has already occurred.
Why Clinton Consultancy
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Deep Sector Knowledge: Extensive experience in gold and commodity disputes in Ghana and Sierra Leone.
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Government Relationships: Regular engagement with Minerals Commission, PMMC, EOCO, and CID.
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International Standards: Due diligence and contracts tailored for foreign buyers.
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Fixed-Fee Packages: Clear pricing for due diligence, contract drafting, and dispute handling.
FAQs
Q: Can foreigners legally buy gold from Ghana?
Yes, but only through licensed exporters authorised by the Minerals Commission and PMMC.
Q: How long does verification take?
We can deliver a red-flag memo within 5 working days and a full report within 10–14 days.
Q: What if I already sent money?
We can assist with filing complaints to EOCO, CID, and pursuing civil recovery.
Q: Do I need to come to Ghana?
Not always. Verification and contracts can often be handled by our firm on your behalf.
Call to Action
Planning to buy gold from Ghana? Don’t risk losing money to fraud. Clinton Consultancy verifies exporters, licences, and contracts before you transfer funds.
WhatsApp: +233 27 252 2695
Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com
