Ghana’s artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) sector has achieved a historic milestone, with gold purchases and exports by the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) hitting a record 11 tonnes by the end of May 2025.
The exports carried an estimated value of $1.172 billion, according to Sammy Gyamfi, Managing Director of the Ghana Gold Board.
Speaking in Accra on Monday, Mr. Gyamfi revealed that, for the first time in the nation’s history, gold exports from the ASM sector have surpassed those from the large-scale mining industry.
“This is a significant achievement not only for the Gold Board but also for the country. It reflects the growing formalization and strategic oversight in the artisanal mining space,” he said.
He attributed this success to ongoing reforms and tighter regulation of Ghana’s gold trading sector, which for years was poorly regulated, leading to substantial revenue losses for the country.
“For many years, Ghana’s poorly regulated gold trading sector denied the country the full benefits of its rich gold resource,” Mr. Gyamfi stated. “That is changing.”
To consolidate these gains, the Ghana Gold Board, in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, is set to launch a dedicated anti-gold smuggling task force in the coming weeks. The initiative aims to curb the persistent threat of illicit gold trade and ensure that all gold exports pass through legal and traceable channels.
“We are stepping up our efforts to combat gold smuggling. The task force will strengthen our enforcement capabilities and protect the integrity of Ghana’s gold sector,” Gyamfi added.
The Ghana Gold Board continues to play a pivotal role in formalizing the ASM sector, ensuring compliance with international standards and maximizing returns to the state.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
