Ghana has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Gold Council (WGC) to strengthen the formalisation of the country’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector through responsible sourcing, improved supply chain integrity and measures to curb illicit gold trade.
The agreement, witnessed by Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, marks a significant step towards promoting sustainable mining practices and enhancing transparency across Ghana’s gold value chain.
The partnership will support the establishment of a national network of accessible and trusted gold processing plants that will operate in accordance with internationally recognised responsible sourcing standards.
It will also facilitate the development of policies and industry standards, strengthen institutional capacity, improve gold traceability and origin verification technologies, and provide skills training for artisanal and small-scale mining communities.
As part of the initial commitment under the agreement, the World Gold Council announced a development grant of US$250,000, representing the first tranche of a broader US$1 million programme to support Ghana’s Responsible Cooperative Mining and Sustainable Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The programme is expected to improve environmental stewardship within the ASM sector, strengthen the livelihoods of mining communities, reinforce responsible sourcing practices and boost confidence in Ghana’s gold industry.
Canada welcomed the partnership, describing it as a positive step towards sustainable and responsible resource development.
The Canadian High Commission said the initiative reflects the importance of collaboration between governments, industry and local communities in strengthening governance and building transparent, resilient and inclusive mineral supply chains.
The MoU forms part of ongoing efforts to transform Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector into a more formal, accountable and environmentally sustainable industry while addressing illegal gold trade and associated financial crimes.
