Ghana’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector Generates $10.8 Billion in Forex in 2025 — GoldBod

Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector generated $10.8 billion in foreign exchange in 2025, according to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to the country’s economy and foreign exchange earnings.

The reported figure underscores the importance of small-scale gold mining to Ghana’s gold industry, particularly in generating foreign currency, supporting economic activity and contributing to the country’s gold export performance.

The development also draws attention to the role of GoldBod in regulating the gold trading sector and strengthening the country’s efforts to maximise revenue from its gold resources.

Artisanal and small-scale mining remains a significant component of Ghana’s mining industry, providing livelihoods for thousands of people across mining communities. The sector supports employment and economic activities in areas such as gold trading, transportation, equipment supply and other related services.

The $10.8 billion reported in foreign exchange earnings highlights the potential of the sector to support Ghana’s external trade position and help meet the country’s demand for foreign currency.

However, the sector continues to face challenges, including illegal mining, environmental degradation, smuggling and concerns about responsible gold sourcing. These issues have prompted calls for stronger regulation, improved traceability and greater accountability throughout the gold supply chain.

GoldBod’s role in the gold trading industry is therefore central to efforts to improve oversight, formalise gold purchases and sales, and ensure that Ghana derives greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.

Strengthening monitoring mechanisms and improving transparency could also help reduce opportunities for illicit gold trading while encouraging responsible practices among miners and licensed operators.

The reported earnings are likely to renew discussions about how Ghana can sustain the sector’s contribution to foreign exchange generation while addressing the environmental and regulatory challenges associated with small-scale mining.

Further details on the calculation of the $10.8 billion figure, including the volume of gold involved and the precise methodology used to determine the foreign exchange generated, were not provided in the information available.

Nevertheless, the reported figure places renewed emphasis on the economic significance of artisanal and small-scale mining and the need to ensure that its benefits translate into sustainable national development.

Special_News feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com