Ghana and World Gold Council unite to formalise artisanal gold mining
Strategic partnership aims to improve responsible sourcing, strengthen supply chain transparency and curb illicit gold trade through policy support, technology and community investment
The Government of Ghana and the World Gold Council (WGC) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at transforming the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector through greater formalisation, improved supply chain integrity and stronger measures to combat illicit gold trade and financial crime.
The agreement, signed through Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, establishes a framework for collaboration to create a more transparent, responsible and sustainable ASGM industry while ensuring that the economic benefits of gold mining reach local communities.
A key objective of the partnership is the development of a national network of accessible and trusted gold processing plants that operate according to internationally recognised responsible sourcing standards. The initiative is designed to provide artisanal miners with stronger incentives to channel their gold into the formal economy rather than informal or illicit markets.
As part of the agreement, the Government of Ghana and the World Gold Council will work together on policy and standards development, capacity building, traceability and gold origin verification technologies, as well as education, training and skills development programmes for artisanal mining communities.
Marking the first major step in the partnership, the World Gold Council has committed an initial development grant of US$250,000 to support cooperative registration under Ghana’s flagship rCOMSDEP programme.
The organisations said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to unlocking the social and economic potential of responsible artisanal mining while promoting environmental protection, community development and confidence in Ghana’s gold supply chain.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah said the partnership demonstrates Ghana’s determination to transform the ASGM sector into a responsible, well-regulated and economically empowering industry.
“This partnership reflects Ghana’s clear commitment to transforming artisanal and small-scale gold mining into a responsible, well-regulated and economically empowering sector. By working with the World Gold Council, we are strengthening our efforts to improve the formalisation of ASGM, eliminate harmful practices, and ensure that the benefits of Ghana’s gold resources are realised by our communities and our nation as a whole,” he said.
World Gold Council Chief Executive Officer David Tait said Ghana continues to demonstrate leadership in addressing both the opportunities and challenges facing the artisanal mining sector.
“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. This MoU provides a strong platform for collaboration, bringing together government leadership, international standards and industry expertise, to help build a trusted, transparent and responsible ASGM value chain that works for miners, communities and markets alike,” he said.
