Ghana’s Position in the African Gold Industry
Ghana stands as Africa’s largest gold producer and second globally after China. Roughly 23% of the nation’s landmass is underlain by gold-bearing Birimian and Tarkwaian formations, concentrated in rich mineral belts such as Bibiani, Sefwi, and Ashanti. Economic grades in hard-rock deposits typically range between 1–10 g/t, with world-class operations like Obuasi historically on the higher end. Alluvial reserves often grade 0.3–0.6 g/t, viable for low-cost modular operations.
Why Ghana Is the Best Market Entry Point in Africa
Ghana offers a stable democratic environment, transparent mining legislation under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), strong infrastructure, skilled mining workforce, and a clear pathway from exploration to mining lease. The competitive operating environment and deep mining expertise, supported by decades of commercial-scale mining, create one of the most secure jurisdictions for gold exploration and production in Africa.
Key Gold-Bearing Belts in Ghana
| Belt / Area | Region(s) | Geology / Target Type | Availability Insights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bibiani Belt | Western North | Shear zone-hosted quartz veins, high-grade | Core mine under lease; satellite concessions sometimes open. |
| Sefwi Belt | Western North / Ashanti | Multiple vein systems | Periodic openings after licence expiry. |
| Ashanti Belt | Ashanti / Western | Deep lode systems, high-grade quartz reefs | Most access via JV with current holders. |
| Kibi-Winneba Belt | Eastern / Central | Narrow high-grade veins | Smaller concessions, occasional openings. |
| Bolgatanga Belt | Upper East | Shear-hosted, shallower mineralisation | Lower competition; annual openings. |
| Wa-Lawra Belt | Upper West | Underexplored ELV terrain | New concessions often announced in Q4 updates. |
Availability Strategy:
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Monitor the Minerals Commission cadastral daily for newly available concessions.
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Quarterly official lists (March, June, September, December) show new openings.
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For high-demand belts, have applications ready to file within 48 hours.
Regulatory Pathway: Prospecting Licence
A Prospecting Licence (PL) allows detailed exploration, including trenching, drilling, and bulk sampling, for up to 3 years (renewable twice). The process is regulated by the Minerals Commission and involves:
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Incorporation of a Ghanaian entity to hold the licence.
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Preparation of a detailed work programme and exploration budget.
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Proof of technical and financial capacity.
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Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clearance.
Costs include:
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Application Fee
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Annual Mineral Right Fee: Based on concession size.
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Ground Rent
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Minimum Exploration Expenditure: 10× annual mineral right fee per 21 ha unit
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Our Professional Fees
Contact amanda@clintonconsultancy.com
Capital Requirements & GIPC Registration
Foreign-owned mining support or service companies must register with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC):
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USD 500,000 minimum stated capital for 100% foreign ownership.
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USD 200,000 minimum with 10% Ghanaian equity partner.
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Stated capital can be met with cash, imported equipment, or a mix.
Geologist Support Services
We source specialist Ghana-based geologists to:
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Conduct due diligence on target concessions.
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Design compliant work programmes.
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Liaise with Minerals Commission reviewers.
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Supervise early-stage exploration post-licence.
Fee: Contact amanda@clintonconsultancy.com – for up to 10 days’ pre-licence and application-stage work.
PMMC and Gold Board Roles
At the exploration stage, neither the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) nor the Gold Board are involved. Both entities only become relevant at the production/export stage, when licensing for gold sales or exports is required.
Prefer to meet online? Contact Amanda Clinton directly to arrange a Zoom call or, if convenient, an in-person meeting.
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Email: amanda@clintonconsultancy.com (cc: info@clintonconsultancy.com)
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Phone/WhatsApp: +233 27 252 2695
Please include your availability window and preferred format (Zoom or in-person), and we’ll confirm promptly.
