Gold mining in Ghana

Gold mining in Ghana has a long history, dating back to the 10th century when the region was part of the ancient Ghana Empire. Commercial gold mining began in the early 19th century, with Europeans establishing several mines during the colonial period.^[1][2][3] The first documented large-scale mining operation in Ghana was at Obuasi, where gold was discovered in 1897. By 1900, Ghana, then known as the Gold Coast, had become a major supplier of gold in the British Empire.^[4][5][6]

A large, sharp, equant, translucent, yellow, spinel-twinned or macle twinned Diamond (Super macle twinned Diamond)from Akwatia Diamond Mine and Birim Diamond Field at Akwatia in the Eastern Region; and a couple of inclusions add character to this thick, lustrous crystal.

Ghana is renowned for its gold resources and is the largest producer of gold in Africa as of 2019.^{[7][8][9][10][11][12]} Major gold discoveries and mining activities have centered around the Ashanti Region and other areas such as Tarkwa, Akyem, and Prestea, forming part of the extensive Birimian and Tarkwaian gold belts.^[13][14]

Early gold mining

Ashanti Region has played a central role in gold mining in Ghana, dating back to the 19th century. Local artisanal mining, known as galamsey, predated industrial efforts. The Ashanti Goldfields Corporation was established in 1897, marking the start of large-scale industrial gold mining in Ghana.^[15][16][17]

Modern gold production

Large-scale gold mining in Ghana took off in the mid-20th century, with operations expanding in the 1980s due to rising gold prices.^[18][19] Companies such as AngloGold Ashanti and Newmont have operated extensive mines, contributing to Ghana's economy.^[20][21][22]

In 2019, Ghana overtook South Africa as the leading gold producer in Africa, producing 142.4 tonnes of gold, representing 4.1% of global production. The sector accounts for over 90% of the country's mineral exports and remains an important part of Ghana's economy.^{[23][24][25][26][7]}

Gold mining by region in Ghana

Ashanti Region

The Ashanti Region is historically and currently one of the major gold-producing areas in Ghana. The region is home to some of the largest gold mining companies in the country, including AngloGold Ashanti at Obuasi. Obuasi produced more than 35 million ounces of gold since its discovery in the late 19th century^[27][28] Additionally, the Ahafo South and Ahafo North in the Ashanti Region, home to Newmont Ghana's Ahafo mine, is also a contributor to Ghana's gold output.^[29][30]

Western Region

The Western Region, particularly the Tarkwa and Prestea districts, is another gold-producing area. Tarkwa, known for its large-scale open-pit mining, has been in operation for several decades and is one of Ghana's gold producers.^[31] It is operated by Gold Fields Ghana and produced 504,000 ounces of gold in 2019.^[32] Prestea, operated by Golden Star Resources, is another mining town that has produced substantial amounts of gold over the years.^[33]

Eastern Region

In the Eastern Region, gold mining activities are centered around the Akyem mine, operated by Newmont Ghana. The Akyem mine, one of the gold mines in the region, began commercial production in 2013 and produced over 500,000 ounces of gold in 2020.^[34][35][36]

Central Region

The Central Region of Ghana, with gold mining activities in towns like Damang, is another producer. The Damang mine, operated by Gold Fields Ghana, produced 164,000 ounces of gold in 2019.^[37][38][39]

Northern Region

While not as well known for gold mining as other regions, the Northern Region of Ghana has seen increasing interest in gold exploration, with Galiano Gold and other companies investing in small-scale mining projects in the region.^[40][41]

Western North Region

The Western North Region has gained attention for its artisanal gold mining activities, especially in areas like Sefwi Wiawso and Bodi. These areas have been known for their gold-bearing areas, and the growth of small-scale mining in this region has contributed to the overall gold production in Ghana.^[42]

Royalties

Gold mining companies in Ghana are required to pay royalties as a form of compensation for the extraction of the country's mineral resources. These royalties are governed by the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) Act, 2018 (Act 978), which establishes mechanisms for managing the royalties and ensuring that the benefits accrue to the state and local communities.^[43][44]

Controversy

In 2020, the Ghanaian government introduced the Agyapa Royalties deal, designed to monetize a portion of the royalties through a special purpose vehicle listed on the international stock exchanges. The deal sparked public debate due to concerns about transparency and equitable benefits distribution.^[45][46]