The Ghana Standards Authority and the Ghana GoldBod have entered a strategic partnership to roll out a nationwide calibration program for gold scales, a move officials say will boost accuracy, transparency and confidence in the country’s gold trade.
The agreement was reached after a meeting between Prof. George Agyei, acting director-general of the GSA, and Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana GoldBod. The initiative will cover all 16 regions and standardize weighing systems used in both large-scale and artisanal mining communities, including major gold hubs such as Tarkwa and Obuasi.
Prof. Agyei described the collaboration as a “significant step forward” for the sector, noting that accurate measurements are critical to securing Ghana’s standing in the global gold marketplace. “Through this partnership with GoldBod, we are creating a unified measurement framework that will enhance confidence in Ghana’s gold trade and demonstrate our commitment to international best practices,” he said.
Officials say the program will introduce systematic calibration services for gold scales at every level of the value chain. Expected outcomes include improved pricing transparency, stronger trade integrity, and increased protection for small-scale miners who often rely on third-party scales to determine the value of their output. The effort is also designed to support stronger regulatory oversight, consistent nationwide measurement standards and enhanced international credibility.
The calibration work will align with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, which govern global testing and calibration laboratories. According to the Ghana GoldBod, adhering to these standards positions Ghana more competitively alongside leading gold marketplaces such as the London Bullion Market Association.
Gyamfi said the initiative reflects GoldBod’s commitment to fairness and accountability in the sector. “This collaboration will strengthen our ability to ensure fair pricing and protect the interests of miners across the country,” he said.
The partnership includes joint outreach to mining communities, licensed gold buyers, district assemblies and traditional authorities. Mobile calibration teams will be deployed in the coming months to reach remote communities and guarantee nationwide coverage.
Both organizations said the initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitments under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and supports international principles of responsible mining.