Ghana has taken a decisive step to reposition its gold sector by prioritising transparency, sustainability, and global market credibility, following a new partnership between the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the World Gold Council (WGC).
The collaboration signals a shift from enforcement-only approaches to illegal mining towards building a regulated and traceable gold economy that rewards responsible practices while shutting out illicit supply chains.
At the centre of the initiative is the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), which will introduce regulated community-based gold processing plants and a fully traceable supply system linking small-scale miners directly to formal markets.
Speaking during a high-level engagement with the World Gold Council on Monday, January 5, 2026, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the partnership aligns with government efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining, protect the environment and maximise national value from mineral resources.
He explained that rather than allowing gold to leak through informal networks, the new system will channel production through monitored facilities, enabling authorities to track gold from extraction to sale.
According to the Minister, the approach will not only curb illegal mining but also improve incomes for compliant miners, enhance state revenue and restore confidence in Ghana’s gold supply.
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The World Gold Council described Ghana’s framework as a practical and scalable model for reforming artisanal mining. Chief Executive Officer David Tait said the initiative addresses long-standing global concerns about sourcing gold responsibly, especially for international refineries that require verified and ethical supply chains.
He noted that by combining traceability, centralised processing and official buying channels, Ghana is positioning itself as a reliable source of responsibly mined gold, which could attract new investment into the sub-sector.
Under the agreement, both parties will establish a joint technical team to oversee implementation, ensure transparency and guide the rollout of the processing plants.
The first community plants are expected to become operational within six months of funding approval, marking what officials describe as a critical turning point in Ghana’s effort to secure the long-term future of its gold industry while addressing the root causes of illegal mining.
