Ghana Gold Board Reforms Create 4,866 Jobs in Less Than Two Years — Sammy Gyamfi

Ghana’s Gold Board says its institutional, licensing and value-addition reforms have generated 4,866 direct jobs in less than two years, as the country seeks to expand local participation in the gold industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, has disclosed that reforms introduced by the institution have created thousands of jobs across the public and private sectors.

Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026, Mr Gyamfi said the reforms had generated 4,866 direct jobs, comprising 361 public-sector positions and 4,505 private-sector jobs.

He added that the changes were opening further employment opportunities across the gold value chain, particularly for artisanal gold processors, jewellers and young entrepreneurs.

Focus on local participation and value addition

Mr Gyamfi argued that Ghana and other African countries must look beyond extracting minerals and exporting them in raw form if they are to secure greater economic benefits from their natural resources.

He said the mining industry should create opportunities in local processing, refining, equipment supply, financing, engineering and indigenous business development.

According to him, Africa’s mineral wealth should be measured not only by production and export figures but also by the jobs, industries and economic opportunities generated for local communities.

The approach is intended to enable more Ghanaians to participate in higher-value activities rather than remaining concentrated in lower-value segments of the mining industry.

Gold refining becomes a priority

GoldBod has also highlighted progress in expanding domestic gold processing. In an update published on October 20, the Board said 5.4 tonnes of the 5.7 tonnes of artisanal and small-scale mining gold it purchased in October had been refined locally, representing 94.6 per cent of the total purchased during that period.

The Board attributed the development to partnerships with privately owned Ghanaian refineries, including Gold Coast Refinery and Royal Ghana Gold Refinery.

Expanding domestic refining could help retain more economic activity within Ghana, create demand for specialised skills and strengthen local participation in the gold supply chain.

However, the long-term impact will depend on whether these developments translate into sustainable employment, stronger local businesses and measurable economic benefits for mining communities.

Support programme for small-scale miners planned

GoldBod has also announced plans to introduce an Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Formalization and Financing Support Programme in 2027.

According to the Board, the proposed programme will be developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the University of Mines and Technology, with technical support from South Africa’s Rand Refinery.

The initiative is intended to support the formalisation of small-scale mining, improve access to financing and technology, and promote more efficient and environmentally responsible operations.

If implemented effectively, the programme could help formal operators improve mineral recovery, strengthen workplace safety and create additional opportunities for young people and local enterprises.

Turning mineral wealth into lasting jobs

Ghana’s gold industry remains an important part of the national economy, but increasing the benefits retained locally requires more than mineral production and exports.

The development of refining facilities, technical services, equipment supply businesses and locally owned enterprises could help broaden employment opportunities beyond mining sites.

For GoldBod, the challenge will be to sustain the reported job gains, demonstrate the quality and durability of the employment created, and ensure that local businesses can compete and grow across the value chain.

Mr Gyamfi’s announcement places job creation and value addition at the centre of the Board’s reform agenda. The next measure of progress will be whether the reforms generate lasting opportunities and help more Ghanaians benefit directly from the country’s mineral resources.

The employment figures in this report were disclosed by GoldBod’s chief executive and have not been presented as independently audited figures.

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