Ghana’s push to formalise its artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector has gained fresh momentum as the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) partners with Better Brands Zimbabwe to establish a dedicated ASM financing centre.
The initiative, which places financing and structural support at its core, is expected to address long-standing challenges that have limited productivity and kept many small-scale miners operating informally.
Officials say the proposed centre will provide access to credit, equipment, and technical services, particularly for hard rock miners who require higher capital investment to operate efficiently.
At the heart of the discussions is the need to close the financing gap that has constrained growth within the ASM sector. Stakeholders, led by GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, emphasized that the facility will function as a hub for tailored financial solutions.
“The financing center will function as a hub for tailored financial solutions, including credit facilities, equipment and operational support,” participants noted during the engagement.
Beyond funding, the initiative will provide machinery such as mills, explosives, generators, and fuel to improve gold recovery rates and operational efficiency.
Driving Formalisation and Compliance
The programme is designed not only to boost output but also to transition miners into regulated systems. By improving access to capital and equipment, authorities believe miners will be more inclined to adopt safer and environmentally responsible practices.
GoldBod has been leading reforms to enhance traceability, ensure fair pricing, and curb illicit gold trade. The new partnership reflects a broader strategy of leveraging private sector expertise to strengthen Ghana’s mining value chain.
Better Brands Zimbabwe brings extensive experience in gold aggregation and supply chain structuring. As Zimbabwe’s largest gold-buying agent for artisanal miners, the company is expected to provide technical insights that improve transparency and market access.
Industry observers say this collaboration could help Ghana build a more reliable system for gold collection while boosting foreign exchange inflows.
Implementation and Expected Impact
Timelines have already been set for site selection and mobilisation, with implementation expected to begin within the coming months.
The ASM sector remains a key contributor to Ghana’s gold output but continues to face issues related to informality, environmental degradation, and regulatory compliance. The proposed financing centre is therefore seen as a critical step toward unlocking productivity and strengthening oversight.
Officials say the initiative will not only increase official gold deliveries but also safeguard livelihoods, reinforcing Ghana’s broader goal of maximising value from its natural resources while promoting sustainable mining practices.
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