GoldBod to Pilot Gold Traceability with 600 Small-Scale Mines
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) will begin a nationwide gold traceability programme by first engaging about 600 artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations, as part of efforts to ensure that gold supplied into the formal market is responsibly and sustainably mined.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the GoldBod, Richard Nunekpeku, Esq., disclosed this on Tuesday, January 29, 2026 while addressing participants at the Africa Trade Summit 2026, held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
He explained that the pilot phase will lay the foundation for a broader traceability framework that will eventually cover all mining operations supplying gold into Ghana’s formal export and refining system.
According to him, the initiative forms a critical pillar of GoldBod’s mandate to promote sustainability, transparency and compliance with international standards across the gold value chain.
“GoldBod will support up to 600 mines under the traceability project so that all gold supplied to the Gold Coast Refinery is traced to make sure they are from sustainable mines,” he stated.
Mr. Nunekpeku noted that the Ghana Gold Board was established under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140) to oversee, monitor and undertake the buying, selling, assaying, refining and exporting of gold, while generating foreign exchange and supporting the accumulation of reserves by the Bank of Ghana.
He said the Board’s vision is to become a world-class gold trading organisation that promotes sustainability, traceability and value addition for national economic transformation.
He traced the institution’s evolution from the Ghana Diamond Marketing Board, established in 1963, through its transition into the Precious Minerals Marketing Company, to its current form as the Ghana Gold Board, with an expanded mandate and stronger regulatory authority.
Touching on operational performance, the Deputy CEO revealed that GoldBod exported about 100 tonnes of ASM gold in 2025, generating approximately US$10 billion in export earnings for the country.
He attributed the performance to reforms in gold trading and licensing, as well as improved collaboration with value chain partners, including buyers, refiners, jewellers and fabricators, under a centralised trading model.
Looking ahead, Mr. Nunekpeku said GoldBod will intensify reforms to formalise the ASM sector, champion responsible mining practices, scale up local value addition and strengthen compliance with global standards.
He disclosed that the Board has signed a refinery agreement with Gold Coast Refinery and is engaging additional refineries to ensure that all ASM gold is refined locally.
He explained that local refining would help Ghana retain refining fees, create jobs, minimise purity losses and deepen value retention within the economy.
As part of its expansion drive, GoldBod also plans to establish its own assay laboratory and further retool GoldBod Jewellery Limited, introducing new designs to boost competitiveness.
Mr. Nunekpeku added that GoldBod continues to support communities, institutions and individuals through its Special Intervention Programme Unit and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, while strengthening partnerships with international bodies such as the World Gold Council to promote a sustainable and responsible ASM sector.
He expressed confidence that with the traceability pilot, expanded refining capacity and strategic partnerships, GoldBod will generate even higher revenues for the country beyond its 2025 performance.
