Ghana Elevates Local Content in Mining: Opportunities Ahead

March 21, 2025

(3 Minutes Read)

Ghana is ramping up efforts to boost local participation in the mining sector, aiming to maximise the advantages of its mineral resources while promoting economic development. By supporting small-scale miners, encouraging local procurement, and ensuring that international companies train and employ local workers, the country is creating jobs, generating revenue, and expanding GDP through mining activities.

The Mining in Motion Summit, set for June 2-4, 2025, in Accra, will emphasise the crucial role of local mining entities in the industry’s growth. The summit will highlight collaborations between the government and international partners, reinforcing Ghana’s status as a leading mining nation in Africa.
Ghana’s dedication to local involvement is producing significant economic benefits. The small-scale gold mining sector alone employs over one million people and indirectly supports an additional 4.5 million, generating over USD 5 billion in export revenue in 2024.

To empower local stakeholders, the government has introduced various policy reforms and financial initiatives:

Gold Board Establishment: Launched in March 2025, this initiative will consolidate gold production from both small-scale and industrial mining for international exports, allowing small-scale miners to access funding through gold sales certificates.
Cooperative Mining Policy: Announced in August 2024, this policy aims to create community mining cooperatives, offering training, concession registration, and job opportunities while formalizing artisanal mining.
Ghana Landscape Restoration & Small-Scale Mining Project: Supported by the World Bank, this project focuses on formalizing small-scale mining through District Mining Committees and promoting environmental sustainability.

Enhancing Local Content Regulations
The Minerals and Mining (Local Content & Local Participation) Regulations, 2020, require international firms to source goods and services from Ghana, increasing local businesses’ involvement in mining projects. These projects are anticipated to further boost local employment and skill development within the sector.

The Mining in Motion Summit 2025 will be a key forum for discussing local content development, industry trends, and innovations in Ghana’s mining sector. Stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, investors, and mining companies, will seek ways to promote economic growth through sustainable mining practices.

Ghana’s strategic emphasis on local content development is transforming its mining landscape, ensuring that mineral wealth benefits local communities and businesses directly. Through policy reforms, financial empowerment programs, and significant industry events like the Mining in Motion Summit, Ghana is establishing itself as a leader in sustainable and inclusive mining growth.