More than three million Ghanaians are now legally employed in the small-scale mining sector, according to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Speaking at a meeting with civil society organisations and members of the clergy in Accra on Friday, the minister said small-scale mining has grown into a major contributor to Ghana’s economy and is now the largest source of gold production in the country.

“Small-scale mining is the largest gold producer in Ghana. It accounts for 52% of total gold output, while large-scale mining contributes 48%,” Mr Buah said.

He described the sector as a critical source of livelihood, particularly for rural communities.

“Mining is the lifeline for over three million Ghanaians,” he added.

Once dominated by manual methods and simple tools such as hammers and chisels, the sector has seen significant transformation in recent years. Today, many licensed operators use heavy machinery, including excavators.

The minister acknowledged that while small-scale mining has historically been informal, it has now become central to Ghana’s gold industry and broader economic development.

His comments come amid ongoing national discussions about the regulation of the sector, as the government seeks to formalise operations and clamp down on illegal mining activities.

Source:TheDotNews