By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The government of Ghana, through the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has announced plans to establish Ghana’s first-ever fire assay laboratory by the end of 2026.
According to Dr. Forson, the establishment of the fire assay laboratory forms part of the government’s effort to strengthen accountability in the mining sector.
The Finance Minister disclosed that the Ghana Gold Board (Goldbod) has been tasked to set up the facility to enhance the accurate valuation of gold produced in the country.
Speaking after a tour of the Gold Coast Refinery on Wednesday, February 2026, Dr Forson explained that once the laboratory is operational, large-scale mining companies will be required to submit their gold for fire assay testing at the Gold Board facility to determine the exact value of their output.
This, the minister noted, will enable the state to accurately assess and collect royalties due from gold production.
“Our next policy line will be to encourage the Ghana Gold Board to, by the end of the year, establish a Fire Assay Lab so that all large-scale mining companies will take their gold through fire assay at the Gold Board Lab for us to ascertain the true value of our royalties,” he retorted.
