Output & Ranking
On 12 September 2025, the Ghana Chamber of Mines confirmed that Ghana retains its status as Africa’s top gold producer, with total gold output reaching approximately 4.8 million ounces in 2024. This level of production positions Ghana not only at the top of the African continent but also among the top gold-producing countries globally.
Small-Scale / Large-Scale Dynamics
A striking feature of Ghana’s gold sector is the surge in production from small-scale and artisanal miners, which rose by about 70% in 2024 to reach 1.9 million ounces, up from 1.1 million in 2023. Meanwhile, large-scale mining output was relatively steady at around 2.9 million ounces in the same period. This shift reflects growing contributions from informal and semi-formal mining activities, which are becoming increasingly important economically—though also more complex in terms of regulation and oversight.
Economic Impact & Risks
Ghana’s gold exports jumped by over 53% in value in 2024, reaching US$11.64 billion, with small-scale miners accounting for nearly US$5 billion of that figure. Though the headline numbers are strong, the Chamber of Mines cautioned that policy uncertainty, especially around proposed mining law reforms— could threaten future growth. The rise of small-scale mining also brings challenges: environmental impacts, gold traceability, revenue losses from smuggling, and ensuring social and regulatory frameworks keep pace.