Ghana Gold Board Commences Procurement Of Traceability System

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 throughout 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, inviting qualified firms to participate.

Mr. Ademan indicated that by the April 17, 2026, submission 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. The committee also includes representatives from the UK Gold Programme, the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners, and 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 stated that interested firms will undergo multiple stages of evaluation, after which 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 shortlisted firms will also be required to present proof of concept and respond to technical questions from the evaluation committee, particularly on how they intend to ensure complete traceability from mining sites to export points.

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

Mr. Ademan further 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.

He explained that such partnerships will also be carefully assessed to ensure efficiency, accountability, and successful implementation of the project.

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

Mr. Ademan emphasized that the entire procurement process is being conducted through GHANEPS, ensuring integrity, transparency, 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 implementation of a national traceability system is expected to fundamentally transform gold trading in Ghana by creating a secure chain of custody for every ounce of gold produced.

By documenting the journey of gold from artisanal and small-scale mining sites to refiners and exporters, the system will provide credible assurance that the mineral was produced responsibly and in compliance with established standards.

For the ASM sector, which continues to face challenges related to informality and illicit trading networks, the system is expected to serve as a gateway to greater formalization and regulatory compliance.

Enhanced transparency will enable miners to verify the origin of their gold, a key requirement for accessing international markets that demand responsible sourcing and due diligence.

In addition, the system will provide an effective mechanism for mitigating risks associated with gold smuggling, money laundering, and the use of child labour within the supply chain.

By establishing a secure digital footprint for every transaction, Ghana will be better positioned to increase national revenue from gold production by significantly reducing opportunities for tax evasion and gold leakages that currently affect the economy.

This technological intervention is expected to strengthen Ghana’s reputation as a reliable source of responsibly produced gold while fostering a more transparent, equitable, and professional mining environment that benefits local communities, investors, and the nation as a whole.