Ghana bans raw artisanal gold exports to boost local refining
Ghana has banned the export of unrefined artisanal gold as of September 1, 2026, requiring licensed buyers to process the mineral through one of four authorized local refineries. The artisanal gold sector earned nearly $11 billion in 2025 and produced 104 tonnes, surpassing large-scale mines for the first time. However, no Ghanaian refinery holds LBMA certification, and researcher Bright Simons argues that local refining lacks economic logic due to low margins and past failures.
Why it matters: This relates to the theme of commodity value chains and resource nationalism in Africa.