The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has toured the Royal Ghana Gold Refinery as part of efforts to finalise a refining services agreement aimed at boosting local value addition in Ghana’s gold sector.
The visit, held on April 27, 2026, forms part of a broader government strategy to ensure that more value is retained within the country through in-country processing of mineral resources.
During the tour, Mr. Gyamfi was guided by refinery CEO Eric Santeng and Production Manager Rakess Kumar through key operational areas, including the receiving bay, smelting room, and assay laboratory.
He was also introduced to major refining equipment such as the XRF machine, ICP system, furnace, and bar casting machine, all essential to gold refining operations.
Speaking after the inspection, Mr. Gyamfi expressed confidence in the refinery’s preparedness, noting that it possesses most of the required infrastructure to begin full-scale operations.
However, he indicated that a few additional upgrades would be necessary to meet GoldBod’s technical standards for partnership.
Aligning with National Policy Goals
Mr. Gyamfi linked the initiative to the broader economic vision of John Dramani Mahama, which prioritises local processing of natural resources.
“The President’s vision is clear; by 2030, no mineral should leave Ghana in its raw form. “We must refine and add value here at home so that the country benefits more from its natural resources.” - Sammy Gyamfi
He explained that GoldBod has been tasked with ensuring that gold purchased from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector is refined into gold bars locally before export.
The GoldBod CEO emphasised that the operationalisation of the refinery is a key priority for the government, making the proposed agreement both strategic and timely.
He urged management to swiftly implement recommendations from GoldBod’s technical consultants to facilitate the signing of the agreement in the coming weeks.
Beyond value addition, Mr. Gyamfi highlighted the potential for job creation and skills development, noting that the refinery could play a significant role in supporting employment and industrial growth.
The anticipated partnership is expected to enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and strengthen Ghana’s gold value chain. By refining gold locally, the country stands to capture greater economic value, boost export earnings, and reduce reliance on raw mineral exports.
As Ghana advances its industrialisation agenda, initiatives like the GoldBod–Royal Ghana Gold Refinery collaboration signal a shift toward a more sustainable and value-driven mining sector.
READ ALSO: ECG to Publish Short-Interval Power Outage Schedules Amid Akosombo Restoration
