The Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector produced 52% of Ghana’s total gold output in 2025. This vital sector contributed less than 2% of the national tax revenue from gold mining. These figures come from the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
Chamber officials presented this data at the 2026 West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX). They noted the significant discrepancy between production and tax contribution. The largely informal status of many ASM operations hinders accurate tracking. This informality also makes it difficult to ensure tax compliance and formalisation.
This situation fits into Ghana's ongoing economic challenges. The government faces pressure to boost revenue collection. High gold production from the ASM sector presents a missed opportunity for public finances. Ghana's economy relies heavily on commodity exports, including gold. Previous efforts to formalise the ASM sector have met mixed success. This data highlights the scale of the challenge.
Mr Michael Edem Akafia, Chamber President, and Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO, spoke about the issue. They stressed the need for better revenue mobilisation strategies. These strategies should aim to bring more ASM operators into the formal economy. The goal is to increase tax income without harming local jobs and livelihoods.
The low tax contribution from the ASM sector means less money for public services. This includes schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects. The government may need to explore new incentives. It might also consider stricter enforcement for formalised entities. WAMPEX 2026 discussions focused on responsible mining for sustainable development. This issue is central to that conversation for Ghana.
The implications of this data are far-reaching. Policymakers must find ways to bridge the revenue gap. Failure to do so could strain public finances further. Investors and international bodies will watch these developments closely. They seek stability and responsible resource management from Ghana.