Ghana and the World Gold Council (WGC) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the formalisation of the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, as authorities step up efforts to curb illicit gold flows and strengthen the integrity of Ghana’s gold supply chain.
The partnership, signed through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, will focus on developing a national network of accessible and trusted gold processing plants operating to internationally recognised responsible sourcing standards.
The initiative is also expected to improve traceability, strengthen policy and regulatory standards, build capacity within mining communities and provide artisanal miners with stronger incentives to sell gold through formal channels.
As part of the agreement, the World Gold Council has committed an initial US$250,000 development grant to support cooperative registration under Ghana’s flagship rCOMSDEP programme, marking the first phase of the collaboration.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the partnership reinforces the government’s commitment to transforming the sector.
“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 formalise 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.”
Beyond supporting responsible mining, the two parties say they share a common vision of building a transparent and accountable gold value chain capable of delivering greater economic and social benefits while protecting the environment.
Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council, David Tait, said Ghana’s position as one of the world’s leading gold producers makes it well placed to drive reforms in 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 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.”
The agreement comes as Ghana intensifies efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, improve responsible sourcing standards and reduce illegal gold trading, while ensuring that the sector delivers greater value to mining communities and the broader economy
