Gold mining in Ghana boasts a rich history, with its roots tracing back to the 10th century when the region formed part of the ancient Ghana Empire.
Commercial gold mining commenced in the early 19th century, marked by the establishment of several mines by Europeans during the colonial era. The Ashanti Region has historically played a central role in gold mining in Ghana, dating back to the 19th century.
Local artisanal mining, known as galamsey, predated industrial efforts. In 2019, Ghana surpassed South Africa to become the leading gold producer in Africa, yielding 142.4 tonnes of gold, which accounted for 4.1% of global production.
The Ashanti Region is historically and currently one of the major gold-producing areas in Ghana. The region is home to some of the largest gold mining companies in the country, including AngloGold Ashanti at Obuasi.
Here's a list of some of the major gold mining companies and their areas of operation:
Read also: Hotel in Mauritius
- AngloGold Ashanti: Operates in the Ashanti Region, specifically in Obuasi.
- Newmont Ghana: Centered around the Akyem mine in the Eastern Region.
- Gold Fields Ghana Limited: Operates in the Western Region, particularly in the Tarkwa area.
The Western Region, particularly the Tarkwa and Prestea districts, is another key gold-producing area. Gold mining activities in the Eastern Region are centered around the Akyem mine, operated by Newmont Ghana. The Central Region of Ghana, with gold mining activities in towns like Damang, is another producer.
The Western North Region has gained attention for its artisanal gold mining activities, especially in areas like Sefwi Wiawso and Bodi.
The first documented large-scale mining operation in Ghana was at Obuasi, where gold was discovered in 1897.
Here is a table summarizing the key gold-producing regions and companies in Ghana:
| Region | Key Areas | Major Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Ashanti Region | Obuasi | AngloGold Ashanti |
| Western Region | Tarkwa, Prestea | Gold Fields Ghana Limited |
| Eastern Region | Akyem | Newmont Ghana |
| Central Region | Damang | Unknown |
| Western North Region | Sefwi Wiawso, Bodi | Artisanal Miners |
Gold mining companies in Ghana are required to pay royalties as a form of compensation for the extraction of the country's mineral resources. In 2020, the Ghanaian government introduced the Agyapa Royalties deal, designed to monetize a portion of the royalties through a special purpose vehicle listed on the international stock exchanges.
Read also: Radio Gold's Frequency
Ghana river pollution: Illegal gold mining contaminating drinking water
Read also: Culture and Gold in Ethiopia
Popular articles:
tags: #Ghana
