Traditional Gold Plating Techniques in Ghana: Challenges and Solutions

This study investigated the conventional ways of gold plating that the indigenous goldsmiths in Ghana used. Gold plating is a technique of applying a coating of gold to the surface of base metals or alloys of lower karats to give an inexpensive appearance of solid gold. The plating techniques are described by the researchers and are heavily guarded by craftsmen found in the localities of Ghana in which these techniques are practiced. The study adopted phenomenology research method to gain experiences from participants across the field of traditional gold plating in Nungua, Accra using the data collection instruments of observation and interviews for data collection. The study also investigated other chemical options like immersion and mercury gilding and also discusses major challenges in the industry like base metals leaching, health risks of toxic fumes and the high cost and scarcity of gold. The paper concluded by providing practical recommendations on the safety of workshops, the recovery of gold in spent solutions and the promotion of a well-organized federation of goldsmiths to better deal with economic and regulatory challenges, with the view of conserving and promoting this precious traditional craft.