Chief Executive Officer of the Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, has announced a comprehensive plan to ensure all small-scale gold purchases in Ghana are traceable and responsibly sourced.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition, Mr Gyamfi said the initiative will be driven by tighter licensing requirements, strict enforcement, and the introduction of a nationwide traceability system.
He explained that the first step is the formalisation of gold trading, which requires all buyers to obtain a licence from the Gold Board.
“Once you have our licence, we can regulate your activities because it is issued under the law,” he said, adding that licence holders are only permitted to purchase gold from approved, licensed miners.
Mr Gyamfi stressed that any breach of these conditions will attract legal consequences. He cited provisions in the Gold Board Act, warning that individuals who buy gold outside the approved system risk prosecution.
Beyond enforcement, he noted that the Board is developing systems to track the origin of gold and ensure it is sourced from responsible mining operations.
“We want to be able to confirm that every gram of gold comes from a responsible and licensed mine,” he stated.
As part of the broader strategy, the Gold Board is collaborating with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to bring more artisanal miners into the formal sector through cooperative mining schemes and licensing frameworks.
He disclosed that the formalisation programme is nearing rollout and will be launched with support from the Presidency.
Additionally, Mr Gyamfi revealed that work on the traceability system is already underway, signalling a significant shift toward transparency and accountability in Ghana’s small-scale mining sector.
