GoldBod to make XRF testing mandatory for gold purity from September 1

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) will mandate the use of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology for assessing gold purity in purchases starting September 1, 2026. This directive, issued on August 17, will apply to all gold transactions by GoldBod and its licensed buyers. XRF will become the definitive method for determining gold purity and calculating payments, replacing the water density method currently used by some buyers.

Licensed buyers must acquire and use XRF devices, ensuring operators are properly trained and maintaining records of all measurements. If an XRF device cannot be used, a water density method can be used as an indicative measurement with a minimum 0.5 percent purity discount, followed by a final assessment using XRF. Aggregators must also equip their Tier 2 and Tier 1 buyers with XRF machines for more accurate testing.

Comparisons of successive XRF reports for the same transaction must not exceed a 0.05 percent difference, with any larger discrepancy requiring further verification. Non-compliance with these new regulations could result in license revocation and enforcement actions under the Ghana Gold Board Act 2025.