GoldBod Tribunal Inaugurated: Finance Minister Swears In Chairperson and Members to Oversee Gold Sector Appeals

The Ministry of Finance has officially inaugurated the Gold Board Tribunal (GoldBod Tribunal), a new independent appellate body established under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025. The ceremony, held in Accra, was presided over by Finance Minister Dr. Ato Forson, who administered the oath of office to the tribunal’s inaugural leadership.

The tribunal will serve as the primary appeals body for decisions taken by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), including licensing disputes and determinations made by the Board’s Dispute Resolution Committee. Its rulings carry the same binding authority as those of the High Court, with further recourse to the Court of Appeal.

Leadership and composition

The sworn-in members include:

• Chairperson: Biadala Mortey Akpadzi
• Member: Hamidu Mariam
• Member: Justin Pwavra Teriwajah

They will oversee appeals with independence and impartiality, drawing on their expertise in law, commerce, and the mining sector.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi Esq., officers of the Board, and representatives from the GoldBod governing council.

Mandate and authority

The GoldBod Tribunal is an ad-hoc, non-permanent body convened as required. Its mandate covers:

Reviewing appeals against GoldBod decisions, particularly licensing-related issues.

Providing transparent, fair adjudication for affected industry players.

Issuing rulings legally equivalent to High Court judgments.

Minister’s remarks

In his address, Dr. Forson underscored the significance of the tribunal in enhancing transparency and regulatory credibility within Ghana’s gold sector. He called on the tribunal members to uphold integrity, fairness, and professionalism in discharging their duties, emphasizing that their work will directly impact investor confidence and industry growth.

Sectoral importance

Industry observers have welcomed the tribunal’s establishment, describing it as a milestone in modernizing Ghana’s gold sector governance. By streamlining dispute resolution and reinforcing due process, the tribunal is expected to boost regulatory predictability and strengthen confidence in the country’s gold trade.

The launch marks a significant step toward consolidating Ghana’s position as a leading hub for responsible gold trading and governance in Africa.