Ghana has maintained its status as Africa’s top gold producer and the 11th largest producer globally, according to the Ghana Chamber of Mines. The West African nation saw its gold output increase to four million ounces in 2023, up from 3.7 million ounces in 2022.
The data was disclosed during the Chamber’s annual general meeting on Friday. President of the Chamber, Michael Akafia, noted a substantial surge of 70.6 percent in small-scale gold production. “However, large-scale gold mining witnessed a decline, falling from 3.1 million ounces in 2022 to 2.9 million ounces in 2023,” Akafia stated.
This overall increase in gold production underscores Ghana’s significant role in the global gold mining industry. Despite the drop in large-scale mining, the robust growth in small-scale operations has bolstered the country’s output, ensuring it retains its leading position on the continent.
Ghana’s gold industry continues to be a vital part of its economy, contributing significantly to its GDP and providing employment to a large segment of the population. The country’s ability to increase production amidst varying scales of operations highlights its resilient mining sector.
As global demand for gold remains strong, Ghana’s sustained production levels reaffirm its importance on the world stage and its capacity to leverage natural resources for economic growth.