World Gold Council and Ghana Sign Strategic Partnership to Combat Gold Smuggling

The World Gold Council (WGC) and the Government of the Republic of Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in formalizing the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector, enhancing supply chain integrity, and combating illicit gold flows and illegal financial activities linked to the sector.

The partnership seeks to establish a nationwide network of trusted and accessible gold processing centers operating in line with the highest responsible sourcing standards, while providing sufficient incentives for artisanal miners to channel their production into the formal supply chain instead of informal markets.

Under the agreement, both parties will collaborate on developing policies and industry standards, building institutional capacity, supporting gold traceability and origin verification technologies, and providing training and educational programs for artisanal mining communities.

Initial $250,000 Development Grant

As the first tangible step under the partnership, the World Gold Council announced an initial development grant of $250,000 to support the registration of artisanal mining cooperatives through Ghana's flagship rCOMSDEP program, which aims to formalize the sector and integrate it into the country's official economy.

Both parties emphasized that the MoU reflects their shared commitment to unlocking the social and economic potential of responsible artisanal mining by improving community livelihoods, protecting the environment, and strengthening the integrity of the global gold market.

Minister: Building a More Responsible and Regulated Sector

Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, said the partnership demonstrates the government's commitment to transforming artisanal and small-scale mining into a responsible, well-regulated sector capable of supporting the national economy.

He added that cooperation with the World Gold Council would accelerate efforts to formalize the industry, eliminate harmful practices, and ensure that Ghana's gold resources generate sustainable benefits for local communities.

World Gold Council: Ghana Sets a Global Example

David Tait, Chief Executive Officer of the World Gold Council, described Ghana as one of the world's leading gold-producing nations, noting that the country has shown strong ambition in addressing both the challenges and opportunities associated with artisanal mining.

He said the MoU provides a solid platform for cooperation by bringing together government leadership, international standards, and industry expertise to build a more transparent and responsible gold value chain that benefits miners, communities, and global markets.

A Step Toward Reducing Gold Smuggling

The agreement comes as international efforts intensify to formalize the artisanal mining sector, which accounts for a significant share of gold production across many African countries but continues to face challenges including gold smuggling, weak traceability systems, and widespread informal operations.

Observers believe that if successful, Ghana's model could serve as a blueprint for other African countries seeking to integrate small-scale miners into the formal economy, improve transparency, and strengthen confidence in global gold supply chains.