The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Richard Nunekpeku, Esq., has disclosed that the GoldBod continues to engage key stakeholders across the gold value chain in developing the technical specifications and procurement framework for its proposed gold traceability system.
This active collaboration serves as an essential pillar of GoldBod’s strategy to introduce a technology-backed solution to trace gold production from the primary point of extraction up to the central board. By emphasizing ongoing engagement with affected parties, GoldBod aims to address the historically fragmented supply chains and create a robust, transparent ecosystem that supports responsible trading.
“Being the first time we are implementing a technology-backed process to track and trace every ounce of gold that is mined across the country, it meant that the scope of work that has to do with the technical specifications of the solution and what the terms of reference will have to be for developers must be very comprehensive.”
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Richard Nunekpeku, Esq.,
Mr. Nunekpeku detailed that the extensive stakeholder consultations are specifically designed to guarantee that the system ultimately deployed is credible, sustainable, and fit for purpose.
The initiative focuses heavily on formalising Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, which has traditionally lacked visibility.
Because this represents the state’s first comprehensive attempt at establishing a digital tracking mechanism across the national landscape, creating comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToR) and clear technical guidelines for technology developers required direct feedback from domestic producers, global market actors, and strategic advisors.
Deep-Dive into the Rationale for Comprehensive Stakeholder Engagement
The primary necessity for this broad stakeholder dialogue stems from the intricate nature of Ghana’s gold production ecosystem, which involves diverse interest groups ranging from local mining communities to international bullion hubs.
To ensure that the digital framework can withstand rigorous domestic and global scrutiny, GoldBod consulted small-scale mining associations alongside established entities such as the Ghana-UK Gold Programme and Rand Refinery Africa’s sole London Bullion Market Association (LBMA)-accredited refinery.
Integrating these varied viewpoints helps bridge operational gaps between field-level small-scale miners and international compliance standards.
Additionally, cross-sectoral involvement guarantees that technical specifications accommodate practical realities on the ground while satisfying stringent anti-money laundering and ethical sourcing rules required by global financial and commodity markets.
Broad Participation and Advanced Stages of the Procurement Process
To maintain maximum integrity and public accountability throughout the selection process, GoldBod transitioned the established Terms of Reference into the National Competitive Tendering Process.
The advisory committee and evaluation structure included key institutional representation from the Bank of Ghana, civil society organisations, small-scale miners associations, and GoldBod executive leadership.
According to the Deputy CEO, this multi-agency approach ensures that the selection criteria balance regulatory mandates with economic feasibility.
The tendering process has now progressed to an advanced stage, leaving leadership confident that the chosen developer will implement a proven, reliable system built upon a foundation of shared industry consensus.
Phased Implementation Strategy and Broader Sector Formalisation
Following the formal selection and contract award to the successful bidder, GoldBod will commence a structured pilot phase prior to executing a full nationwide rollout.
This phased deployment allows the board to test technical operations, gather real-time performance metrics, and adjust system protocols before enforcing total coverage.
Ultimately, the technology-driven tracking project serves as a cornerstone of GoldBod’s larger agenda to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, eliminate illegal gold leakage, and enhance supply chain visibility.
By laying down a firm operational groundwork through deliberate stakeholder participation, Ghana positions its extractive sector to demonstrate complete accountability and legal integrity on the global stage.
READ ALSO: 2026/2027 GPL Winners To Receive a Record GHS 3m Prize Money
