Ghana’s first indigenous gold refinery opens

Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, on Tuesday advised Ghanaians not to collaborate with foreign nationals who engage in illegal mining (galamsey).

He said the activities of such foreigners did not only violate the country’s laws, but also create insecurity within the communities in which they operate.

According to him, they also evaded corporate and income taxes to deprive Government of legitimate revenues and royalties.

Mr Fuseini was speaking at the end of a working tour to the Asap Vasa Gold Refinery in Accra.

The refinery is said to be Ghana’s first and only indigenously owned factory.

Mr Fuseini, who said he was impressed with the company’s operations and achievements, called on the management to add value and to brand the gold they refined.

He said such value addition would create jobs, enhance income and boost government revenue.

Mr Fuseini said: “This is the type of partnership we are looking for. It is possible for Ghanaians to come together to establish a business.”

Mr Henry Vroom Parker, Chief Executive Officer of Asap Vasa Gold Refinery, said the company started full refinery operations in 2007 with a modest installed refinery capacity of 500 kilogrammes of gold per month.

Currently, the company’s capacity is 100 kilogrammes of gold per day.

Mr Parker said the company refined gold for both the local and international markets.

“Our vision is to become the foremost West African supplier of refined gold and gold alloy products to local and international markets,” he said.

Mr Parker said the Company’s services included gold and silver refinery and bullion trade.

He said future activities of the company would include setting up bullion mints, production of semi-finished jewellery products and collaborating with jewellery training institutions as well as setting up a gold village.

Source: GNA