Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer.
Gold has shaped Ghana’s history for centuries. European traders once called the region the Gold Coast because of its rich deposits, especially in the forested southwestern part of the country. Modern production comes from major mining areas including Obuasi, Tarkwa and Ahafo, alongside extensive small-scale mining.
Ghana overtook South Africa as Africa’s leading gold producer in 2019. South Africa remains a famous gold-mining country, but its mature mines have faced declining ore grades, greater depth and rising costs. Mali is also a major producer, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo is better known for minerals such as cobalt and copper.
Gold is central to Ghana’s economy, but mining also creates serious environmental challenges. Informal mining, locally called galamsey, has polluted rivers and damaged forests. Thus, Ghana’s leading position is an important economic fact as well as a continuing environmental and political issue.