Accra, 2026
The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) participated in the groundbreaking Gold Refining Agreement signing ceremony between the Ghana Gold Board and Gold Coast Refinery Company Limited, a Free Zone Enterprise, on 20 January 2026, marking a major milestone in Ghana’s drive to deepen value addition and strengthen its gold value chain.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board, Mr. Sammy Gyamfi, outlined the key benefits of the agreement, describing it as the first-ever local gold refining arrangement between the Government of Ghana and a Ghana-based refinery.
He noted that the agreement will retain millions of dollars in refining charges within the Ghanaian economy, create direct and indirect jobs through 24-hour operations, increase tax revenues, reduce gold undervaluation and purity losses, and ensure an adequate supply of refined gold and silver for local jewellers. The deal also positions Ghana for LBMA-certified refining, enhances the integrity of gold exports, and strengthens ASM formalisation and full traceability.
Speaking in support of the agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Coast Refinery, Dr. Sade Deraz, noted that the value addition will not only boost export earnings but also create jobs and drive Ghana’s industrialisation agenda, in line with President Mahama’s vision for growth and development.
The agreement marks a decisive step towards local value addition, job creation, and higher returns from Ghana’s gold sector.
The GFZA delegation was led by Dr. Patience Agbleze Acorlor, Director of Corporate Affairs, PR & Aftercare, representing the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mary Awusi. Other members of the delegation included Mr. Bilal Muazu, Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs and other officers of the Authority.