The Mining in Motion Summit was held in 2025, with the Honorable Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, attending as speaker. Ghana’s government is committed to scientific and technological advances in the sector and environmentally responsible mining.
Efforts include nurturing partnerships with private and public stakeholders around the world to implement sustainable practices and science-based solutions. To this end, Hon. Muhammed met the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ghana, Park Kyongsig, to discuss bilateral cooperation on environmental protection and climate change.
Gold Production Set to Increase
In 2024, Ghana’s gold output surged to 19.3% – helping to shore up the country’s ongoing economic recovery – and is expected to rise even further throughout 2025, potentially reaching 5.1 million ounces according to the Chamber of Mines. The introduction of new, large-scale mining operations, such as those managed and maintained by Afrimex, is helping to counter a decline caused by aging mines. These gold production figures cement Ghana’s status as Africa’s top gold producer, and the country is also a notable exporter of oil and producer of cocoa.
A New Generation of Gold Mining
During the Mining in Motion Summit, Hon. Muhammed engaged with important stakeholders within the gold mining industry, civil society, and academia to share insights on innovation, policy, and the future of the country’s mineral governance.
Ghana is actively promoting sustainable practices and addressing land degradation issues under the Ghana Landscape Restoration and Small-Scale Mining Project (funded by the World Bank). This is designed to ensure that the mining sector aligns with societal and environmental sustainability goals.
In support of such modernization efforts, the Ghanian government is equipping the next generation of miners with skills in new technologies, like drones, which are now being used to improve sector monitoring and support automation.
Global Sustainability Certification
In support of Ghana’s work to align itself with international sustainability standards, the WSO (World Sustainability Organisation) has introduced the Friend of the Earth Sustainable Mining Certification. The aim of the certification is to promote traceable supply chains, ethical labor practices, and environmental protection within the mining sector. As well as helping to ensure long-term livelihoods, this is likely to promote biodiversity conservation and reduce ecological harm. WSO certifies over 3,000 products in more than 70 countries, meaning its introduction in Ghana represents a significant opportunity for the country to reinforce its role as a mining powerhouse and a global leader in the responsible governance of resources.
