The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has initiated the procurement process for a national traceability system aimed at strengthening oversight across Ghana’s gold supply chain, particularly within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.

The system, when implemented, is expected to enable GoldBod to track and trace gold from the point of extraction through to export, enhancing transparency and accountability in the sector.

According to the Director of Procurement, Mr. Frank Ademan, the process is being conducted in strict compliance with the Public Procurement Act.

He disclosed that GoldBod issued a call for expressions of interest on March 25, 2026, through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS), followed by publications in the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic on March 27 and April 1, respectively, to invite qualified firms to participate.

Mr. Ademan indicated that by the April 17, 2026, deadline, a total of 27 firms had submitted proposals.

He noted that the submissions are currently under review by an evaluation committee chaired by the Director for Responsible Mining at GoldBod, Prof. Ishmael Quarcoe; adding that the committee includes representatives from the UK Gold Programme, the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, as well as other industry experts.

He explained that the evaluation process will be rigorous, transparent, and aligned with both national regulations and international best practices.

Mr. Ademan noted that firms that showed interest will be taken through various stages of evaluation where qualified firms will be invited to submit detailed technical and financial proposals, demonstrating their capacity to design and implement a robust traceability system capable of monitoring gold flows across the value chain.

He added that as part of the process, shortlisted firms will be required to present proof of concept and respond to technical questions from the committee, particularly on how they intend to ensure full traceability from mining sites to export points.

Performance during these presentations, alongside technical expertise and industry understanding, will inform further shortlisting before firms proceed to the financial evaluation stage.

Mr. Ademan noted that while Ghanaian firms are expected to lead the process, provisions have been made to allow joint ventures with experienced international partners due to the technical complexity of the assignment.

Such partnerships, he added, will also be carefully assessed to ensure efficiency and accountability during implementation.

At the final stage, technical scores will be combined with financial assessments to determine the successful firm.

Mr. Ademan emphasized that the entire process is being conducted through GHANEPS, ensuring integrity and eliminating the possibility of manipulation.

He further disclosed that the Chief Executive Officer of GoldBod, Sammy Gyamfi, Esq. has directed that the procurement process be conducted with the highest standards of fairness, strictness, and transparency.

The introduction of a traceability system forms part of GoldBod’s broader reform agenda to modernize Ghana’s gold trading ecosystem, curb leakages, and align the sector with evolving global standards on responsible sourcing and supply chain accountability.