The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has partnered with B-Light Jewellery to increase access to locally finished gold jewellery and gold tablets in the Western, Central and Western North regions. This partnership is part of GoldBod Jewellery's Local Expansion Partnership Programme, which aims to work with retailers, agents and franchisees to make value-added gold products more accessible to consumers across Ghana. The programme seeks to promote local participation and value addition in the gold industry.
The partnership was launched in Takoradi, with Managing Director of GoldBod Jewellery, Ms Gertrude Emefa Donkor, highlighting the significance of the collaboration. She noted that the opening of the new showroom represents more than an expansion of the company's retail network, but also reflects GoldBod's broader objective of creating jobs, retaining more value from Ghana's gold resources within the country and driving economic empowerment. This initiative aligns with the company's strategic mandate to maximise the benefit of Ghana's natural resource, gold.
Ms Donkor emphasized that Ghana is increasingly focusing on value addition in the gold sector, including refining gold locally and developing finished products for the domestic and international markets. This approach will enable Ghanaians to benefit more directly from the country's mineral resources, rather than primarily exporting gold in its raw form. By investing in machinery, modern equipment, information technology infrastructure and staff training, GoldBod Jewellery aims to transform its production capacity and increase output for the domestic market.
GoldBod Jewellery is developing an ultra-modern production facility to scale up production and potentially penetrate the international market. The company has opened its doors to businesses, corporate institutions and individuals interested in partnering with them to expand their retail presence. This initiative ensures that Ghanaians across the country can access locally finished gold jewellery and other GoldBod products. The partnership programme has received an overwhelming response, with B-Light Jewellery emerging as one of the businesses that expressed interest and met the requirements.
Under the arrangement, B-Light Jewellery will serve as GoldBod Jewellery's partner in the Western, Central and Western North regions. Ms Donkor urged residents to support the Takoradi-based business, stating that its growth would contribute to the expansion of GoldBod Jewellery's presence in the region. She expressed hope that the success of the partnership would pave the way for more GoldBod Jewellery outlets to be established in Takoradi and other parts of the Western Region.
Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson emphasized the government's focus on strengthening local participation and value addition across productive sectors, with the gold industry offering opportunities beyond mining. He identified refining, jewellery production, manufacturing, retail and skills development as areas where Ghanaians can participate more meaningfully in the gold value chain. Mr Nelson encouraged the two companies to consider the Western Region as a long-term partner in developing Ghana's jewellery and gold value-addition industry.
The partnership between GoldBod Jewellery and B-Light Jewellery is expected to create livelihoods while preserving and modernising Ghana's gold craftsmanship heritage. The initiative will also provide opportunities for young people interested in jewellery design, craftsmanship and related enterprises to develop their skills. By promoting local participation and value addition, the partnership aims to contribute to the growth and development of Ghana's gold industry.
Key points
- GoldBod Jewellery partners B-Light Jewellery to expand access to locally finished gold jewellery and gold tablets across Ghana's Western, Central and Western North regions.
- The partnership aims to promote local participation and value addition in the gold industry, creating jobs and driving economic empowerment.
- GoldBod Jewellery is investing in machinery, modern equipment, and staff training to transform its production capacity and increase output for the domestic market.
