Ghana is set to take a giant step in transforming its gold industry, with plans to establish a wholly state-owned international-standard refinery at the Kotoka International Airport.

The move is aimed at ending the country’s reliance on exporting raw gold (doré) and transitioning into refined bullion production.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, made this announcement at the maiden Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra.

He said land had already been secured at the airport’s cargo village, where the refinery will be built alongside an ultra-modern ISO-certified fire assay laboratory to meet global standards.

In addition, the GoldBod has launched a Mining Support Programme to attract direct investment into environmentally friendly mining operations.

As part of this, the Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Goldstream Global DMCC for a potential $1 billion investment to establish over 300 responsible mines in partnership with concession owners and communities.

Mr. Gyamfi stated that the initiative, backed by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission, would create thousands of jobs for Ghana’s youth.

He also revealed plans to support the reclamation of 1,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves and roll out community projects, including potable water systems, schools, health facilities, and scholarships.

“Ghana must move from exporting raw minerals to value addition, from youth as labourers to youth as innovators and owners. Africa is ready to transform,” Mr. Gyamfi declared.