- The UK government expressed concern over rate of gold smuggling in Ghana
- Ghana loses approximately $2 billion annually due to illegal gold operations
- The program aims to unlock the potential of artisanal mining
The UK government has expressed deep concern over the escalating rate of gold smuggling in Ghana, warning of its severe impact on the country’s revenue generation.
Estimates suggest that Ghana loses approximately $2 billion annually due to illegal gold operations and smuggling.
Chris Aston, team lead for the UK Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP), emphasized the urgent need for Ghanaian authorities to take decisive action to address this issue.
He highlighted the devastating consequences for Ghana’s economy if the unregulated mining practices and illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) continue unabated.
The UKGGP collaborates with the Ghanaian government to ensure that artisanal small-scale gold mining is properly regulated and existing regulations are effectively enforced.
The program aims to unlock the potential of artisanal mining while preventing environmental damage and protecting miners’ health.
Security analyst Prof. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning warned that Ghana’s failure to curb illegal mining activities has led to a “GalamState,” where corruption and collusion have normalized the practice.
He emphasized the urgent need to address the underlying issues that enable these crimes to persist.
The UK government’s concerns align with growing national and international calls for reforms in Ghana’s mining sector to combat illegal activities and improve regulatory oversight.
The country faces significant financial losses and risks severe environmental and security consequences if the issue remains unaddressed.
