Ghana switches gold purchases to XRF purity testing on October 1, 2026
Ghana Gold Board will make X-ray fluorescence testing the definitive basis for pricing and paying for locally purchased gold doré from October 1, while allowing limited exceptions at a 0.7% purity discount.
By DoomRadar · Published on DoomRadar . Updated .
Based on one source with available article excerpts. Source-linked claims are not independent confirmation.
Event date: The new gold-testing rules take effect on October 1, 2026. [1]
What happened
The Ghana Gold Board announced that X-ray fluorescence, or XRF, testing will become the definitive method for determining the purity of gold doré bought by GoldBod and its licensed buyers. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Ghana: Goldbod Changes Gold Testing Rules for Local Purchases From October 1allafrica.com · Article published: Sep 28, 2026, 9:52 PM UTC
The existing water-density method will still indicate gold purity, but it will no longer be the final basis for setting purity, price or payment under the new arrangement. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Ghana: Goldbod Changes Gold Testing Rules for Local Purchases From October 1allafrica.com · Article published: Sep 28, 2026, 9:52 PM UTC
The change applies to all aggregators and licensed gold buyers, which GoldBod directed to prepare for compliance by October 1, 2026. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Ghana: Goldbod Changes Gold Testing Rules for Local Purchases From October 1allafrica.com · Article published: Sep 28, 2026, 9:52 PM UTC
Where XRF is unavailable because of genuine operational or logistical challenges, or where buyer and seller voluntarily agree to water-density testing, the gold will be purchased at a 0.7% purity discount. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Ghana: Goldbod Changes Gold Testing Rules for Local Purchases From October 1allafrica.com · Article published: Sep 28, 2026, 9:52 PM UTC
GoldBod said non-compliance would breach applicable licence conditions and could lead to regulatory or enforcement action under Ghana’s Gold Board Act, 2025. [1]
References for this detail (1)
- Ghana: Goldbod Changes Gold Testing Rules for Local Purchases From October 1allafrica.com · Article published: Sep 28, 2026, 9:52 PM UTC
Explore the sources and reporting timeline
1 source links · 1 domains
These counts describe the references, not independent confirmations. Different outlets can repeat the same original report.
Source timeline
Oldest to newest among the available source dates, not a chronology of the incident. Article publication dates come from the source; other recorded dates may reflect when a link was found.
Questions answered by the reporting
What happens if a buyer cannot use XRF testing?
If a licensed buyer faces genuine operational or logistical difficulties, or both parties voluntarily choose water-density testing, the purchase will carry a 0.7% purity discount. [1]
What this could mean for you
Gold sellers may receive discounted payments when transactions use the water-density method.
Water-density testing will no longer be the definitive basis for payment, and approved use of that method carries a 0.7% purity discount.
Reported basis: [1] · The possible effect is interpretation.
Depends on: A licensed buyer cannot use XRF or both parties voluntarily choose water-density testing.
Possible time frame: days, if those conditions hold.
Possible consequences, not a forecast. Their relevance depends on your location and the conditions above.
For your country
Choose a country to check how this event could affect you.
What changes the outlook
Risk increases if…
More licensed buyers rely on the discounted water-density exception because XRF equipment or operating capacity is unavailable.
Pressure eases if…
Licensed buyers complete preparations and use XRF as the definitive test from October 1.
Still unclear
The notice does not specify how many buyers currently lack XRF equipment or how quickly they must obtain it.
The sources do not quantify the likely effect on gold purchase volumes or producer income.
Market implications
Market impact
Sources (1)
References for the reported details. Separate links do not necessarily mean independent confirmation.
Available excerpt
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced changes to how the purity of gold will be tested for local purchases, with the new rules taking…A short excerpt from our source record; open the original for the full article.
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