The prohibition is set to take effect on May 1, granting a public body, Ghana’s Gold Board (GoldBod), exclusive powers to regulate and oversee artisanal and small-scale gold mining. This sector supports one million people and accounts for over a third of the production in the West African nation.
“All foreigners have been informed that they must leave the local gold market by April 30 at the latest,” stated Prince Kwame Minkah, the GoldBod spokesperson, in a communiqué.
Numerous Chinese nationals are involved in Ghana’s informal mining and trading ecosystem and have repeatedly faced accusations of engaging in illegal activities, including unauthorized gold exports and environmental degradation.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, pledged during his election campaign to combat illegal mining, which results in revenue losses for the state and environmental destruction.
The country is currently experiencing a severe economic crisis and has sought assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after failing to meet debt payments in 2022.
