Ghana will, from October 2025, commence local gold refining and fire assay testing as part of efforts to add value to its mineral exports.
Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Sammy Gyamfi, announced the initiative at the Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, describing it as urgent for the country’s gold sector.
Mr. Gyamfi disclosed that land had been secured at the Cargo Village of Kotoka International Airport for the construction of an ISO-certified assay laboratory.
The new facility will introduce fire assay testing—the internationally recognized gold standard—replacing existing XRF and water density methods.
Plans are also underway for a wholly state-owned international-standard gold refinery to further advance local refining and move Ghana from exporting raw doré to finished bullion.
The Chamber of Mines has already expressed readiness to collaborate, ensuring gold produced by large-scale mining companies is refined locally.
The projects, he added, would allow Ghana to retain more value from its gold, strengthen its position as a bullion hub in Africa, and ensure the country fully benefits from its mineral wealth.
Sammy Gyamfi also indicated that the country’s small-scale gold exports have hit $6.3 billion between January and August 2025.
He disclosed that exports carried out in collaboration with the Bank of Ghana amounted to 66.7 tonnes within the period.
Sammy Gyamfi made the revelation at the maiden Mining and Minerals Convention, noting that the performance underscores the sector’s significant contribution to Ghana’s economy.
