The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) will launch a financing and formalisation programme for artisanal and small-scale miners in 2027 to improve gold production, create jobs and reduce the environmental damage caused by mining activities.
GoldBod Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi announced the planned initiative at the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026. He said the programme would help small-scale miners operate legally, improve gold recovery and reduce their operating costs.
The initiative, known as the Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme, will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the University of Mines and Technology. South Africa’s Rand Refinery will provide technical support.
According to Mr Gyamfi, the programme will combine formalisation with practical financial and technical assistance. The approach aims to help miners meet regulatory requirements while gaining access to support that can improve their operations.
He argued that enforcing mining regulations alone would not be enough to achieve lasting reform. Authorities must also create opportunities that encourage miners to adopt legal and environmentally responsible practices.
“Reform will endure only when compliance becomes a pathway to opportunity rather than hardships,” Mr Gyamfi said.
The GoldBod chief executive believes that a properly organised small-scale mining sector could deliver wider economic benefits for Ghana. These include improved livelihoods, stronger local economies, increased foreign exchange earnings and the growth of locally owned businesses.
He added that formalisation and financing support could help artisanal and small-scale mining contribute more effectively to national development.
With improved access to financing and technical expertise, miners could potentially invest in better equipment, recover more gold from mined material and reduce unnecessary operating expenses. More efficient mining methods could also help limit environmental damage, although the programme’s actual impact will depend on its design and implementation.
Small-scale mining remains an important source of income for many Ghanaians. However, illegal mining has contributed to environmental degradation, including damage to forests and pollution of water bodies. The planned programme seeks to encourage more organised operations while addressing some of these challenges.
The involvement of the University of Mines and Technology and South Africa’s Rand Refinery is expected to provide technical expertise to support the initiative. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources will also participate in its implementation.
The programme is scheduled for launch in 2027. Further details on eligibility requirements, financing arrangements, application procedures and the amount of funding available were not included in the announcement.
If implemented effectively, the initiative could create new opportunities for small-scale miners while supporting Ghana’s efforts to formalise the sector, improve gold recovery and promote more sustainable mining practices.
