Ghana targets zero raw mineral exports by 2030 — GoldBod CEO

The Ghana Gold Board has set its sights on ending the export of raw minerals by 2030 as part of efforts to increase local processing, retain more mineral value in the economy and expand opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.

Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, announced the ambition during his keynote address at the African Minerals Policy Forum, Mining in Motion 2026, under the theme "From Gold Production to National Prosperity: Ghana’s GoldBod Model for Mineral Sovereignty and Value Addition.”

Mr Gyamfi said Ghana was working to move away from a model that relies heavily on exporting unprocessed minerals towards one that prioritises domestic refining and value addition.

He disclosed that GoldBod had entered into gold refining services agreements with two locally owned refineries, Gold Coast Refinery and Royal Ghana Gold Refinery, which had cumulatively refined 25 tonnes of artisanal and small-scale mining gold purchased and exported by the Board in 2026 as of October 20.

The 25 tonnes represented approximately 30 per cent of the 85.4 tonnes of ASM gold exported by GoldBod during the period.

Mr Gyamfi said local refining had gained momentum in recent months. Since August 1, 2026, the two refineries had processed 18.7 tonnes of ASM gold locally, representing 76 per cent of the 25 tonnes refined over the period covered by the figures presented.

He further disclosed that in October alone, GoldBod had locally refined 5.4 tonnes out of the 5.7 tonnes of ASM gold it had purchased, representing 94.6 per cent.

The Board is also supporting local refining of large-scale gold purchased by the government under the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP), with 30 per cent of the output purchased under the programme being refined locally.

According to Mr Gyamfi, Gold Coast Refinery and Royal Ghana Gold Refinery have demonstrated their commitment to attaining London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accreditation within the next three to five years, with regulatory guidance from GoldBod.

He commended the Ghana Chamber of Mines for its cooperation and support, adding that value addition must ensure that gold produced in Ghana generates greater economic benefits for Ghanaians.

The initiative forms part of a broader policy direction to strengthen domestic industrial capacity, create jobs and reduce the country’s dependence on exporting raw mineral commodities.