Ghana explores traceability technology to track mined gold sources

Ghana is set to adopt cutting-edge traceability technology to monitor the origins of gold mined within its borders, according to Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board. The new system aims to verify that gold acquisitions by the Board are sourced legally and from authorized mines. During a Government Accountability Series event in Accra, Gyamfi revealed that the country is currently in the final stages of a nationwide competitive bidding process to secure a modern traceability system, which is anticipated to be completed this year.

The technology will enable the Board to trace every ounce of gold purchased back to its mine of origin, a crucial step in their efforts to ensure the legality and sustainability of their operations.

Ghana currently holds the position of Africa's leading gold producer and ranks sixth globally, with an estimated production of around 185 tonnes annually. The government attributes this success to a surge in domestic gold mining activities, prompting the Board to enhance its measures to regulate and sanitize small-scale mining operations. Since January 2025, the Board has seized approximately 170 metric tonnes of gold, contributing significantly to the nation's achievements in this sector.

In addition to its focus on traceability, the Ghana Gold Board is committed to land reclamation efforts, aimed at restoring 150 hectares of degraded forests throughout the country by the end of next year. The Board is actively collaborating with the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces' Engineers Regiment to achieve this environmental objective, emphasizing its dedication to protecting both the ecology and biodiversity of Ghana.

Furthermore, a taskforce comprising more than 150 personnel has been deployed across various mining regions to actively combat gold smuggling, showcasing the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its gold supply chain.