For institutional gold buyers, the challenge in Ghana is not supply — it is structure.
Most serious buyers understand that local sellers often require pre-financing or visible funds in order to mobilise gold. The real issue is how to pre-finance transactions without exposing capital to unnecessary counterparty, execution, or regulatory risk.
This is where transaction structure becomes decisive.
The problem with seller-driven pre-finance
In many traditional transactions, buyers are asked to either wire funds directly to a seller or a seller-nominated account, or accept seller-controlled timelines for inspection, verification, and payment.
While common, this approach creates three material risks:
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Loss of control over buyer funds once they are in-country
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Inspection and verification processes driven by the seller, not the buyer
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Limited buyer-side recourse if the transaction breaks down
For institutional buyers, funds, and regulated entities, this risk profile is often unacceptable.
A buyer-controlled alternative
Amanda Clinton Services has developed a licensed nominee and buyer-side representation structure specifically for large-volume and institutional buyers who understand pre-finance requirements but insist on control, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
The core principle is simple:
Funds can be made visible to enable sourcing, without being released until the gold has been verified and approved.
How the structure works in practice
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Amanda Clinton Services applies for and holds the relevant Ghanaian gold buying licences.
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It acts as a buyer-side nominee and licensed local buyer under a strict agency mandate.
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Buyer funds are wired into a controlled / blocked Ghanaian bank account held by the nominee.
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The bank confirms that funds are received, available, and restricted, issuing Proof of Funds acceptable to sellers.
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Based on this confirmation, gold is sourced and presented.
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Gold is physically inspected and verified under authorised procedures.
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Funds are released only after buyer approval.
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Title transfers, followed by immediate export under licence.
At no point does the seller control the buyer’s funds.
Why institutions prefer this model
This structure provides several critical advantages:
Regulatory insulation
The buyer does not appear in the local primary market and does not contract directly with miners.
Fund protection
Pre-financed funds are confirmed and visible, but not released unless agreed conditions are met.
Independent local representation
A licensed Ghanaian counterparty acts exclusively for the buyer, not the seller.
Audit-ready documentation
Funds and gold move through a traceable, bankable process suitable for internal compliance, audit, and risk committees.
Confidentiality and governance
Under the nominee arrangement:
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The end buyer remains undisclosed to sellers.
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All economic interest, control, and decision-making remain with the buyer.
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The nominee has no beneficial ownership or trading discretion beyond agreed professional fees.
This allows buyers to scale volumes while maintaining confidentiality, governance, and compliance discipline.
Designed for serious buyers
This structure is not intended for spot traders or speculative deals. It is designed for:
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Institutional off-takers
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Funds and family offices
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Large refiners and trading desks
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Buyers deploying significant pre-finance who require control and risk protection
Conclusion
Pre-finance is often unavoidable in the Ghana gold market.
Loss of control is not.
By separating fund visibility from fund release, and anchoring transactions through a licensed buyer-side nominee, institutional buyers can access supply while protecting capital, compliance, and reputation.
