By Kizito CUDJOE
Ghana's mining sector anticipates maintaining record-high gold outputs in 2026, with estimates ranging from 6.1 million to 6.9 million ounces, as both major and minor miners boost their activities, reports the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
The chamber predicts significant gold output ranging from 3.2 million ounces to 3.4 million ounces for this year, whereas production from the informal sector is anticipated to fall between 2.9 million ounces and 3.5 million ounces.
Should they be implemented, these forecasts would highlight the increasing significance of artisanal mining within the nation's gold sector, as this part of the industry could match or surpass production levels achieved by major operations.
The forecast comes after a significant year in 2025, during which production from small-scale miners surpassed that of major producers for the first time in over a hundred years.
Speaking to stakeholders at the 98th session of the Ghana Chamber of Mines' event th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra, former Chamber President Michael Edem Akafia stated that the nation achieved widespread growth in its conventional minerals during 2025 – with significant increases observed in gold output.
The amount of gold produced that can be attributed rose by 23.41% from 4.82 million ounces in 2024 to 5.94 million ounces in 2025, mainly due to a significant rise in output from the artisanal mining industry.
Gold extraction at a smaller level increased by 63.82 percent, moving from 1.90 million ounces to 3.11 million ounces, thanks to initiatives such as the creation of the Ghana Gold Board. Consequently, artisanal mining contributed 52.4 percent of total country output, surpassing major-scale miners for the first time in over a hundred years," he stated.
In comparison, major gold manufacturing fell by 2.98 percent, dropping from 2.92 million ounces in 2024 to 2.83 million ounces in 2025, which decreased its portion of total domestic production from 60.6 percent to 47.6 percent.
Despite the drop in total large-scale output, the member firms affiliated with the chamber produced 2.77 million ounces in 2025, down from 2.86 million ounces in 2024, marking a decrease of 3.08 percent.
Mr. Akafia cited reduced production levels in most facilities, except for the Asanko Gold Mine and AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine.
The output from the large-scale operation was backed by Newmont's Ahafo Mine, Cardinal Resources Limited's Namdini Mine, and Zijin's Akyem Mine after it was acquired by Zijin from Newmont in 2025.
Additional major open-pit mines saw a slight rise in production, going from 55,000 ounces in 2024 to 57,000 ounces in 2025, indicating an increase of approximately 2 percent. However, their portion of total national output fell from 1.2 percent to 1.0 percent.
The robust showing of the gold industry aligned with one of the most impressive economic expansion periods in recent times.
The actual gross domestic product (GDP) rose from GH¢197.86 billion in 2024 to GH¢209.64 billion in 2025, showing an increase of 5.95 percent, up slightly from 5.85 percent recorded the prior year.
One of the most successful areas within the economy was the gold mining sector, which grew by 19.6 percent, primarily fueled by an increase in artisanal gold output.
The proportion of Gold in GDP rose from 7.97% in 2024 to 9.98% in 2025, becoming the leading component of the economy. Its portion inside the larger manufacturing industry also grew from 13.8% to 14.8%.
In addition to gold, manganese production grew from 5 million tons in 2024 to 5.2 million tons in 2025, marking an increase of 3.83 percent, whereas bauxite output climbed by 21.9 percent.
However, diamond output fell significantly from 332,297 carats in 2024 to 197,233 carats in 2025, representing a decrease of 40.65 percent.
The drop was blamed on lower natural diamond prices, growing rivalry from man-made diamonds, and weak worldwide demand.
In 2026, it is anticipated that manganese will be produced between 5 million metric tons and 6 million metric tons, whereas bauxite output is predicted to fall within the range of 2.5 million metric tons to 3 million metric tons. The estimated diamond production for the same period lies between 150,000 and 250,000 carats.
Mr. Akafia warned that the future of the mining industry hinges on clear policies, changes in regulations, prompt renewal of licenses, better management of artisanal mining operations, and sustained funding throughout the mineral supply chain.
His comments occur during an active discussion about the trajectory of the mining sector, involving the government's policy on contract mining, lingering problems with renewal of mining leases, and growing demands for increased local involvement in owning and managing mineral assets.
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, stated that the government remains committed to seeing mining as a key component of economic development and a significant contributor to foreign currency income.
"In line with our mid-term growth plan, the sector has been given priority within our overall strategy aimed at stabilizing the economy, encouraging manufacturing expansion, and enhancing preparedness for worldwide disruptions," he stated.
The official stated that the government is implementing changes designed to increase regulatory clarity and boost operational effectiveness within the industry.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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