The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi has called for multilateral and international certification scheme for gold imports and exports.
At the prestigious Dubai Precious Metals Conference (DPMC) 2025, Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, delivered a thought-provoking address, urging the international community to implement a comprehensive certification scheme for gold imports and exports.
His call comes at a critical juncture, as the global mining and extractives industry is confronted with the challenges of ensuring transparency, traceability, and responsible sourcing of this precious metal.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi’s address highlighted the imperative need for a harmonized global approach to regulating the gold trade, emphasizing the crucial role that such a framework could play in curbing the persistent problem of gold smuggling.
Being a leading voice in the African mining sector, Gyamfi’s insights and recommendations carry significant weight, underscoring the pressing nature of this issue for resource-rich nations like Ghana.
“Just as the United Nations established the Kimberly Process to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate global supply chain, we believe that the time has come for a similar multilateral and international certification scheme for gold imports and exports. This will prevent smuggled gold from entering the global gold supply chain.”
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi,
Gold Board’s Efforts
The Ghana Gold Board, under Gyamfi’s leadership, has been at the forefront of the fight against gold smuggling, employing a multi-pronged approach to enhance the traceability and accountability of the country’s gold exports.
This includes strengthening partnership with local and international law enforcement agencies, implementing advanced tracking technologies, and fostering closer collaboration with mining companies and artisanal gold producers.
Gyamfi also highlighted the significant progress made by the Gold Board in this regard, noting that the organization’s initiatives have already led to the interception of numerous attempts to illegally export gold from Ghana.
“Esteemed Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, as I have already explained, Ghana’s new legal regime makes the GoldBod the sole and exclusive exporter of all ASM gold from Ghana.”
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi,
Call for Certification Scheme
Mr. Sammy Gyamfi’s proposal for a global certification scheme for gold imports and exports is a direct response to the persistent problem of illicit gold flows, which not only deprives resource-rich nations of much-needed revenue but also fuels the growth of organized crime and undermines efforts to promote sustainable and responsible mining practices.
A well-designed certification scheme, backed by robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, would provide the necessary assurance to consumers, investors, and regulators that the gold they are acquiring or trading has been ethically sourced and legally exported.
This, in turn, would create a level playing field for legitimate gold producers and traders, while making it increasingly difficult for illegal actors to operate with impunity.
Potential Impact on Ghana’s Mining Sector
The implementation of a comprehensive certification scheme for gold imports and exports would have a transformative impact on Ghana’s mining sector, Gyamfi believes.
By ensuring the traceability and transparency of the country’s gold exports, the scheme would bolster the reputation of Ghana’s mining industry, attracting greater foreign direct investment and strengthening the position of Ghanaian gold on the global market.
Moreover, the increased scrutiny and accountability measures inherent in such a certification scheme would incentivize mining companies and artisanal producers to adhere to the highest environmental, social, and governance standards, further enhancing the sustainability and social impact of the sector.
Gyamfi’s call to action at the DPMC 2025 has resonated with industry leaders and policymakers, who recognize the urgent need for a coordinated global response to the challenges facing the gold trade.
While the international community continues to struggle with these complex issues, the Ghana Gold Board’s leadership and advocacy for a robust certification scheme may prove to be a pivotal step towards a more transparent, equitable, and responsible global gold market.
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