The Ghana Gold Board has initiated procurement processes to set up an ISO-certified Assay Laboratory, which is intended to enhance quality control and eradicate fraud within the nation’s gold supply chain.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Board, Sammy Gyamfi, made this announcement at the 2025 Dubai Precious Metals Conference, which took place at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah Hotel on Monday, November 24. He emphasized the pressing need to modernize assaying practices in the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
He pointed out that, despite advancements in technology worldwide, numerous ASM traders continue to depend on outdated traditional methods, such as water density testing, to assess gold purity. He indicated that this approach has become a significant source of fraud within the ecosystem.
“We must therefore collaborate to transform ASM assaying methods to X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fire Assay techniques to protect the integrity of the ASM supply chain,” he urged.
He stated that the shift to modern techniques like X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fire Assay methods is essential for restoring transparency and ensuring that Ghana’s gold complies with international standards.
Additionally, he confirmed that the creation of the ISO-certified laboratory will represent a significant advancement toward achieving that transformation, noting that the facility will be complemented by capacity-building programs for artisanal miners and licensed gold traders throughout the country.
