GoldBod, Rwanda Explore Cooperation on Gold Trading, Mining Formalisation and Environmental Protection

The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has engaged a visiting Rwandan delegation on gold trading reforms, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) formalisation, local value addition and environmental protection as both countries explore ways to strengthen mineral governance.

The delegation, led by Alice Uwase, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, met GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi, Esq., to exchange experiences on regulating gold trading, improving traceability and reducing environmental damage associated with mining.

Ms. Uwase and her delegation expressed interest in Ghana’s gold-buying framework, measures to address mineral leakages and restrictions on foreign participation in artisanal gold buying.

They also sought insights into technologies that could improve gold recovery while reducing environmental harm.

Mr. Gyamfi outlined Ghana’s reforms to strengthen oversight and accountability in domestic gold trading and ensure that more value from the country’s gold resources benefits the national economy.

He highlighted GoldBod’s evolving focus on local refining, mineral traceability, responsible sourcing and formalisation.

Furthermoe, the Director of Responsible Mining and Sustainability, Prof. Quaicoe explained that GoldBod’s proposed Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme would complement the work of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, which have mandates relating to mining formalisation and regulation.

The initiative, he said, would involve collaboration with those institutions, the Environmental Protection Authority and other relevant agencies.

Prof. Quaicoe noted that the proposed programme is expected to help eligible miners obtain licences and documentation, access technical support, improve gold recovery and adopt responsible mining practices.

GoldBod is also considering support for suitable processing equipment and financing to encourage more efficient and environmentally responsible operations.

Environmental protection featured prominently, particularly efforts to reduce mercury use in gold processing. Prof. Quaicoo explained that gravity-based methods, including shaking tables and sluice systems, could recover gold without mercury where geological conditions permit. He noted, however, that fine-gold recovery can present challenges, underscoring the need for appropriate technology and training.

The discussions also covered Ghana’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which seeks to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution.

The Rwandan delegation shared its efforts to formalise artisanal mining through cooperatives, mechanisation, stronger governance and improved access to financing. Rwanda is also pursuing greater domestic mineral processing, including gold refining and the development of national mining companies.

The engagement highlighted shared priorities in formalisation, traceability, local processing and environmental sustainability, with both countries exploring how African-led approaches can improve mineral-sector accountability and retain greater economic value from natural resources.