Ghana has regained its status as the top producer of gold in Africa, surpassing South Africa, according to recent data released by the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The chamber confirmed that Ghana’s gold output rose from 2.8 million ounces in 2021 to 3.7 million ounces in 2022, driven by growth in both the large and small-scale sectors.
This increase in production represents a significant 32% boost in the gold sub-sector. In 2020, Ghana had lost its position as Africa’s leading gold producer to South Africa when production from large and small-scale producers declined from 4 million ounces to 2.8 million ounces.
Speaking at the 95th annual general meeting of the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Accra on June 9th, the chamber’s president, Joshua Mortoti, highlighted that the large-scale gold sub-sector achieved its highest output in the country’s history in 2022.
Also, read; Endangered White Rhinos Reintroduced to DR Congo’s Garamba National Park
Mortoti stated, “The production and export of Ghana’s main minerals showed mixed performances in 2022. However, we are pleased to report that gold output increased from 2.8 million ounces in 2021 to 3.7 million ounces in 2022 due to growth in both the large and small-scale sectors, representing a 32% increase in production in the gold sub-sector.
Â
The large-scale sector’s contribution to national gold output also rose from 2.7 million ounces in 2021 to 3.1 million ounces in 2022, a 13% increment, thanks to new output and expansion of production at existing large-scale mines.”
Ghana’s resurgence as the leading gold producer in Africa is a testament to the country’s commitment to the mining industry and its potential for further growth in the future.