Ghana Turns to Gold Industry Body to Bring Artisanal Mining Into Formal Economy

Ghana Turns to Gold Industry Body to Bring Artisanal Mining Into Formal Economy

July 22, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ghana is seeking to strengthen oversight of its artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector through a partnership with the World Gold Council aimed at improving traceability, expanding formal trading channels and reducing illicit gold flows. The agreement comes as the country works to create a more structured system for small-scale miners, including access to trusted processing facilities and mechanisms that can verify the origin of gold entering the market.

The World Gold Council will provide an initial development grant of 250,000 US dollars to support cooperative registration under Ghana’s rCOMSDEP programme, marking the first concrete initiative under the new partnership between the two sides. The collaboration will also cover the development of policies and industry standards, training for mining communities, and the introduction of traceability and origin verification technologies designed to strengthen the integrity of Ghana’s gold supply chain.

“Ghana is a global leader in gold production and has demonstrated real ambition in tackling the challenges and opportunities of artisanal and small-scale mining,” said David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council. Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources said the partnership is intended to help transform artisanal and small-scale mining into a regulated sector that provides greater economic benefits while addressing environmental and operational risks.

“This partnership reflects Ghana’s clear commitment to transforming artisanal and small-scale gold mining into a responsible, well-regulated and economically empowering sector,” said Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. The World Gold Council and Ghanaian government said the cooperation will focus on building a network of responsible gold processing facilities capable of encouraging miners to participate in formal supply chains.

This initiative is expected to improve regulation, reduce illegal activities and support sustainable development in Ghana’s important gold mining sector.

Source: FSX Business News