The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) says its institutional, licensing and value addition reforms have created 4,866 direct jobs in less than two years, as Ghana seeks to expand local participation in the gold industry.
Chief Executive Officer Sammy Gyamfi said the jobs comprised 361 public-sector positions and 4,505 private-sector jobs.
He added that the reforms were creating further opportunities across the gold value chain for artisanal smelters, jewellers and young entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the African Minerals Policy Forum – Mining in Motion 2026, Mr Gyamfi stressed that African countries must build mineral economies that generate decent jobs and opportunities for their citizens while protecting the environment.
He said the success of the sector should be measured not only by production volumes but also by the economic and social benefits retained by local communities.
“Support for private enterprise and job creation in the mineral and mining economy, must therefore be a priority for all African nations,” he said.
Mr Gyamfi further argued that mineral sovereignty must create pathways for Africans to become mine owners, geologists, engineers, equipment providers, financiers, processors, refiners and traders, rather than being confined to low-value activities in the mining chain.