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The UK government has raised serious concerns over the growing issue of gold smuggling in Ghana, which is causing the country to lose approximately $2 billion annually in tax revenue. In 2022, about 60 tonnes of gold were smuggled out of the country, exacerbating the financial losses.
The UK has warned that if illegal mining and unregulated practices are not curbed, the damage to Ghana’s economy will be severe.
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Chris Aston, the team lead for the UK Ghana Gold Programme (UKGGP), emphasized the need for swift and decisive action from Ghanaian authorities to address the issue. Aston pointed out that the situation is critical for Ghana’s economic future, as the sector is being exploited by organized crime groups. He noted that gold smuggling has more than doubled, posing significant threats to the country’s revenue and stability.
The UKGGP collaborates with Ghana’s government to regulate small-scale gold mining and improve oversight in the sector. The program’s goal is to unlock the potential of artisanal mining while preventing environmental degradation and ensuring the health and safety of miners.
Security analyst Prof. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning also voiced concern during the meeting, describing Ghana as a “GalamState”—a term he used to depict a state captured by illegal mining and grand corruption. He warned of dire security, environmental, and economic consequences if the destructive practice of galamsey is not urgently addressed. Prof. Aning highlighted the mistrust in security agencies and the failure of state actors to enforce laws, which have led to the normalization of illegal mining activities.
Both national and international stakeholders are calling for comprehensive reforms to tackle illegal mining, improve regulatory oversight, and curb gold smuggling to protect Ghana’s future.
