The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Richard Nunekpeku, Esq., has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s gold industry by building a world-class gold value chain centred on local refining, jewellery manufacturing, and responsible sourcing.
Speaking at the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Mining for Development Forum, Mr. Nunekpeku outlined GoldBod’s long-term vision to maximise the country’s gold resources through value addition and increased local participation in the sector.
According to him, GoldBod is already supplying locally licensed refineries with gold to boost domestic refining capacity while supporting them to achieve accreditation from the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) within the next three to five years.
He explained that securing LBMA accreditation would enable Ghanaian refineries to meet internationally recognised standards, enhance the credibility of locally refined gold, and improve access to global bullion markets.
Mr. Nunekpeku further disclosed that GoldBod is working closely with industry players to strengthen responsible sourcing and establish robust traceability systems across the country’s gold supply chain. He noted that these measures are designed to ensure Ghana’s gold exports comply with international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, making them more competitive in the global marketplace.
He stressed that responsible sourcing is becoming increasingly important as international buyers demand greater transparency regarding the origin and production of precious minerals. GoldBod, he said, is committed to helping Ghana meet these expectations while promoting ethical mining practices.
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The Deputy CEO also highlighted the Government’s broader objective of transforming Ghana from a major exporter of raw gold into a leading producer of refined gold and finished jewellery products. He said expanding local refining and manufacturing would create jobs, attract investment, promote technology transfer, and significantly increase the value retained within the country’s economy.
As part of this vision, GoldBod is supporting initiatives aimed at developing a sustainable gold industry that benefits both large-scale and small-scale miners while encouraging greater local participation in value-added activities.
Mr. Nunekpeku reiterated that GoldBod remains focused on collaborating with refineries, miners, regulators, and other stakeholders to build an internationally competitive gold industry capable of driving economic growth.
He added that the institution’s efforts align with the Government’s ambition to end the export of raw gold by 2030, ensuring that more of the country’s mineral wealth is processed locally before reaching international markets.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Mining for Development Forum brought together policymakers, mining executives, industry experts, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring that Ghana’s mineral resources contribute more effectively to sustainable national development.