The Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has taken a critical stance against the government’s increasing control over the gold sector, particularly its decision to centralize gold export through state channels.
n a recent post on Facebook on Friday (11 April), ILAPI questioned the narrative being pushed by authorities that this move represents a “game changer” in Ghana’s gold industry.
According to ILAPI, the gold sector is already burdened with excessive layers of bureaucracy, requiring multiple permissions at every stage—from mining, to buying and selling, to exporting.
The organization argues that instead of liberating the sector or promoting efficiency, the government’s consolidation of export rights amounts to a monopoly that could stifle competition and innovation.
“If you want to mine gold, you need permission from the government. If you want to sell or buy, you need permission. If you want to export, you need another permission. Now the government says it has the monopoly to export. You call this a game changer?” ILAPI posted.
The post reflects growing concerns among civil society groups and industry observers about the implications of the government’s expanding role in the gold trade. Critics argue that centralization could lead to reduced transparency, limited private sector participation, and potential abuse of power, rather than delivering the promised benefits of increased revenue and stronger oversight.
ILAPI, known for its advocacy for free markets and limited government intervention, has called for policies that empower businesses and communities involved in the gold value chain, rather than restricting them under state-controlled systems. The group is expected to issue further commentary or policy recommendations in the coming weeks as debate over the government’s new gold export framework intensifies.
This is what ILAPI posted:
If you want to mine Gold, you need permission from the gov’t. If you want to sell or buy, you need a permission. If you want to export, you need another permission. Now gov’t says, he has the monopoly to export. You call this a game changer?
