The Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has proposed a new framework to give mining communities a greater share of Ghana's mineral wealth. This initiative aims to strengthen the social license for mining operations across the country.
GOLDBOD Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi introduced the 'Involve, Protect, Expand' (IPE) model at the National Mining Dialogue in Accra. He stressed that Ghana must ensure mineral wealth translates into jobs, infrastructure, and improved living conditions for host communities. Gyamfi argued that communities should be treated as development partners, not just sources of land and resources.
This proposal comes as Ghana seeks to maximise economic benefits from its rich gold deposits. Gold accounted for about 63 percent of Ghana's total merchandise export earnings in 2025, generating approximately $20.2 billion. The new framework seeks to address historical imbalances where communities often bear environmental costs without fully benefiting economically.
“The social licence to operate is built not only on legal authority, but on the confidence that mineral wealth serves both the national interest and host communities,” Gyamfi stated. He emphasised that production without community transformation represents a broken social contract.
The 'Involve' pillar calls for meaningful community participation in decisions and greater access to mining opportunities. This includes higher, decentralised retention of mining royalties and clearer commitments from companies for local jobs. The 'Protect' component focuses on safeguarding water bodies, forests, and public health, alongside strengthening reclamation efforts. It also advocates for formalising small-scale mining and prosecuting environmental law breakers. The 'Expand' pillar aims to increase indigenous participation in exploration, production, and services, while growing local refining and jewellery manufacturing.
GOLDBOD has already begun implementing measures to boost Ghanaian involvement in the gold economy. The institution facilitated the formal export of about 170 tonnes of artisanal and small-scale mining gold since 2025, generating over $17 billion in foreign exchange. Nearly nine tonnes of gold aggregated by GOLDBOD have been refined locally this year, retaining more value within Ghana.
Looking ahead, GOLDBOD plans to establish a Ghana Gold Village in partnership with the private sector. This village will support jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication, and skills development. The institution is also preparing to introduce a gold tokenisation programme in 2027, allowing citizens to invest in gold-backed opportunities. These initiatives aim to deepen local value addition and financial inclusion.
GOLDBOD is also actively supporting the government's fight against illegal mining. The institution previously donated GHS 5 million and vehicles to the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat. It is procuring high-specification speed boats to strengthen operations around water bodies. A technology-driven traceability system is also being procured to promote responsible sourcing.
Furthermore, GOLDBOD plans to launch an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalisation and Financing Support Programme in 2027. This programme will assist miners with regulatory compliance, capacity building, and equipment financing. The institution has also commenced reclamation of 50 hectares of degraded land in the Tano Nimri Forest Reserve, with plans to expand to another 100 hectares next year. It is funding the rehabilitation of three Ghana Water Limited treatment plants affected by poor water quality from irresponsible mining.
Gyamfi highlighted that artisanal and small-scale miners produced about 3.11 million ounces of gold in 2025, representing 52.4 percent of national production. This underscores the sector's importance and the need for its responsible integration. GOLDBOD is also conducting geological studies at Funsi and Bensere to identify viable mineral deposits and reduce investment risks. The institution plans to begin construction of an ISO-certified National Assay Laboratory near the Accra International Airport by November 2026. This facility will enhance the integrity and value of Ghana's gold exports.