Ghana has entered a landmark partnership with the World Gold Council (WGC) aimed at curbing illegal mining and securing the long-term sustainability of its gold sector, authorities announced.
The agreement, led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, brings together Ghana’s regulatory oversight and the WGC’s global expertise, standards and market access to address the persistent challenges posed by illegal small-scale mining, popularly known as galamsey.
At the heart of the collaboration is the creation of a fully traceable gold supply chain, described as a first of its kind in the country. The initiative will be anchored by the establishment of regulated community processing plants under the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
Officials say the new framework will formalise artisanal and small-scale mining activities, improve transparency, and ensure that gold produced at the community level meets international standards for responsible sourcing.
The partnership is also expected to enhance environmental protection, promote safer mining practices and expand economic opportunities for local communities, while restoring investor confidence in Ghana’s gold industry.
Government representatives described the alliance as a decisive step towards protecting one of Ghana’s most valuable natural resources and strengthening its position in the global gold market.