Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector is on course to deliver another record-breaking year, with production expected to match or exceed last year’s historic output, according to Ghana Gold Board Chief Executive Officer Samuel Gyamfi.
According to Reuters, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) purchased between 50 and 54 metric tons of gold from artisanal and small-scale miners during the first half of 2026, reflecting continued momentum in one of the country’s most important export industries.
The outlook reinforces Ghana’s position as Africa’s largest gold producer, with the precious metal continuing to serve as the country’s biggest source of export earnings and foreign exchange.
Speaking to reporters, Samuel Gyamfi said current production trends indicate that Ghana is likely to equal or surpass the record 104 metric tons produced by the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in 2025.
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According to Reuters, Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector produced a record 104 metric tons of gold in 2025, overtaking output from the country’s large-scale mining industry for the first time.
Samuel Gyamfi said GoldBod has already purchased between 50 and 54 metric tons of gold during the first half of 2026 and expects production to remain strong throughout the year.
Reuters reported that reforms introduced to reduce gold smuggling and improve foreign exchange earnings have contributed significantly to the sector’s recent growth.
The Gold Board generated nearly $11 billion in foreign exchange earnings from artisanal and small-scale mining last year, while large-scale mining contributed approximately $9 billion, according to Gyamfi.
Although recent declines in global gold prices have moderated revenue expectations, Reuters reported that Ghana is still expected to earn more from gold exports this year than it did in 2025 because average bullion prices remain above last year’s levels.
What This Means For Africa
Ghana’s continued growth in artisanal gold production highlights the increasing importance of well-regulated small-scale mining to Africa’s broader mining economy.
For Samuel Gyamfi, sustaining production growth while improving transparency and reducing smuggling remains central to GoldBod’s strategy for strengthening Ghana’s foreign exchange position.
According to Reuters, reforms in the artisanal mining sector have helped increase official gold purchases and improve export performance, demonstrating the potential benefits of stronger governance within the industry.
The sector’s expansion also illustrates how formalising artisanal mining can contribute to national economic growth while creating opportunities for thousands of small-scale miners and local communities.
As Africa continues to supply a significant share of the world’s gold, countries across the continent are increasingly seeking to maximise value from mineral resources through stronger regulation, improved market access, and enhanced export systems.
While fluctuations in global gold prices remain an important risk, sustained production growth provides Ghana with greater resilience as it continues recovering from recent economic challenges.
Reuters reported that GoldBod remains optimistic about export earnings despite softer gold prices, reflecting confidence in the country’s production outlook and the continued strength of Ghana’s mining sector.
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Image Credit: Sahara Reporters
