Ghana retains Africa’s top gold producer spot with 4.8 million ounces in 2024 – Chamber of Mines

Ghana has maintained its position as Africa’s leading gold producer, with an output of about 4.8 million ounces in 2024, according to the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, Akafia said the country continues to dominate Africa’s gold production while maintaining strong visibility on the global market.

“In terms of performance globally, Ghana is still holding its place as the largest gold producer on the continent, and that is a major positive,” he noted.

However, he cautioned that the glowing figures hide key challenges facing the sector. “When you look beyond the headlines, there are still issues of concern. Ghana must continue positioning itself as a model for the mining industry, given its maturity and established structures,” he said.

Akafia pointed out that small-scale mining played a major role in last year’s boost, with production jumping from 1.1 million ounces in 2023 to 1.9 million ounces in 2024. Large-scale mining, by contrast, remained steady at around 2.9 million ounces.

He further indicated that while Ghana’s dominance in gold mining remains intact, proposed reforms to the country’s mining laws have raised uncertainty among industry players. Nonetheless, he emphasized the need for Ghana to consolidate its gains and strengthen its standing as a global mining hub.