GoldBod begins set up of ISO-certified assay lab to boost gold quality, combat fraud
The Ghana Gold Board has initiated plans to set up an ISO-certified Assay Laboratory, a move aimed at strengthening quality control and stamping out fraud in the country’s gold supply chain.
Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Board, made the announcement at the 2025 Dubai Precious Metals Conference at Atlantis Palm Jumeirah Hotel on Monday, November 24. He highlighted the urgent need to modernize assaying practices within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
“Despite global advancements, many ASM traders still rely on outdated methods like water density testing to determine gold purity, a system prone to fraud,” Gyamfi said.
He emphasized that transitioning to modern techniques such as X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Fire Assay is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s gold and ensuring it meets international standards.
“The establishment of this ISO-certified laboratory will be a major milestone, complemented by capacity-building programs for artisanal miners and licensed gold traders across the country,” he added.