Over 3 Million Ghanaians Legally Employed in Small-Scale Mining – Lands Minister
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has disclosed that more than three million Ghanaians are now legally employed in the small-scale mining sector, underscoring its growing importance to the national economy.
Speaking at a meeting with Civil Society Organisations and members of the clergy on Friday, October 3, 2025, the minister revealed that small-scale mining has become Ghana’s largest gold producer, contributing more than half of the country’s gold output.
Small-Scale Mining Now Dominates Gold Production
According to Mr. Buah:
- 52% of Ghana’s gold is now produced by small-scale mining,
- while large-scale mining contributes 48%.
He highlighted how the sector has evolved from a largely informal activity into a key driver of rural employment and economic growth.
“Mining is the lifeline for 3 million+ Ghanaians, especially in rural communities. Small-scale mining used to be an informal economic sector that has persisted for centuries. Historically, rudimentary tools such as hammers and chisels were employed, but now they use heavy machinery such as excavators,” he said.
From Informal to Formal Sector
The minister noted that with formalisation efforts, the sector has shifted from being dominated by artisanal methods to one characterised by the use of modern heavy-duty equipment, enabling higher production and efficiency.
The announcement comes at a time when the government is engaging CSOs, faith-based groups, and other stakeholders to tackle the challenges of illegal mining while strengthening the contribution of legal small-scale mining to national development.
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