Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has announced plans for a wholly state-owned, international-standard gold refinery in Accra, as part of efforts to boost local refining and strengthen Ghana’s role in the global gold value chain.
Speaking at the maiden Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra, Mr. Gyamfi said the initiative aligns with the reset agenda of the Mahama-led administration, which seeks to transition Ghana from exporting raw doré to producing refined bullion.
He described it as unacceptable for Ghana—Africa’s leading gold producer—to continue exporting unrefined gold without substantial value addition.
The refinery will be built on land already secured by GoldBod at the cargo village of the Kotoka International Airport. The site will also host an ultra-modern ISO-certified Assay Laboratory, which will introduce the global “fire assay” standard to replace Ghana’s current XRF and water density testing methods. This, he said, will enhance credibility and transparency in gold testing and export.
“I am happy to inform you that on that same parcel of land, we will be building a wholly state-owned and international-standard gold refinery to further advance local refining, transitioning Ghana from the export of doré to bullion,” Mr. Gyamfi stated.
Beyond refining, GoldBod plans to establish a “Gold Village” as a continental hub for jewellery and ornament production. Strategic partnerships are being explored to realize this vision.
Mr. Gyamfi further disclosed that GoldBod is working with the Bank of Ghana and local refineries, including the Gold Coast Refinery, to commence the refining of gold purchased and exported by the Board. He also commended the Chamber of Mines for its readiness to collaborate in refining gold from large-scale mining companies.
