Ghana’s gold trade reforms have generated 4,866 jobs, with the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) preparing to introduce a new formalisation and financing programme for artisanal and small-scale miners in 2027.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi announced this at the 2026 Mining in Motion Conference, explaining that institutional reforms, improved licensing systems and value-addition initiatives introduced over the past two years had contributed to job creation and growth across the gold mining industry.
According to Gyamfi, the reforms have also created indirect employment opportunities for local businesses, entrepreneurs and service providers operating within Ghana’s gold value chain.
GoldBod to Support Small-Scale Miners in 2027
Gyamfi disclosed that GoldBod would launch a formalisation and financial support programme for artisanal and small-scale mining operators in 2027.
The initiative will involve collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and South African precious metals company Rand Refinery.
The programme is expected to help small-scale miners increase gold production, access financing, reduce operational costs and adopt more environmentally responsible mining practices.
Gyamfi said the broader objective was to increase gold output, boost mineral revenue, create employment and reduce the environmental destruction associated with artisanal and small-scale mining activities.
Ghana Seeks More Local Participation in the Gold Industry
The GoldBod CEO emphasised that an organised and properly regulated small-scale mining sector could create more opportunities for Ghanaians to participate in the mining value chain.
He noted that local entrepreneurs should be able to become mine owners, equipment suppliers, engineers, geologists, financiers, gold processors, refiners and traders rather than remaining concentrated at the lowest levels of mineral production.
According to Gyamfi, Ghana must move beyond extracting and exporting raw minerals by developing local businesses and industries that retain more economic value within the country.
He argued that mineral sovereignty should empower young Africans to participate legally and meaningfully in mining ownership, financing, processing and trading.
Sammy Gyamfi on GoldBod’s Achievements at Mining in Motion 2026
GoldBod Reforms Target Jobs and Sustainable Mining
The planned 2027 initiative forms part of broader efforts to formalise Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector, improve productivity and strengthen local participation in the gold industry.
By improving access to financing, technical support and responsible mining practices, GoldBod hopes to increase gold production while addressing environmental degradation and reducing the cost of mining operations.
The reforms are also expected to support local entrepreneurship, expand employment opportunities and strengthen Ghana’s position in the international gold market.
As the programme takes shape, its implementation will be important in determining how effectively small-scale miners can access financial assistance, improve their operations and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com