Ghana Launches Largest Mining Sector Audit in a Decade

Ghana’s Mining Sector Faces Unprecedented Regulatory Review

Ghana has launched its largest mining sector audit in ten years. The move targets major gold producers to improve transparency, recover lost revenues, and strengthen oversight. The audit, running from November 2025 to June 2026, marks a key milestone for Africa’s leading gold producer after South Africa.

The Ghana Minerals Commission said the review will assess production data, royalty and tax payments, exports, and environmental compliance. Key companies under audit include AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Newmont, Asante Gold, Perseus Mining, Zijin Mining, and Xtra-Gold Resources. West African governments are increasing scrutiny to ensure fair resource accounting amid surging gold prices and rising demand for battery metals.

Mining companies must submit ten years of production data and three years of financial records by 31 October 2025. Independent consultants, government auditors, and forensic accountants will carry out both physical and financial audits. Each site will receive a report within 30 days of inspection.

Ghana Mining Sector Audit Targets Gold Giants

The Ghana mining sector audit starts with Gold Fields’ Damang Mine and Perseus Mining in November 2025. It will end with Xtra-Gold’s Kibi operation by mid-2026. This is Ghana’s first audit since 2015, when earlier findings faced company disputes.

Economists and policy experts, including Said Boakye from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, urge annual audits. He noted that regular reviews would strengthen tax policy and unlock the sector’s real revenue potential.

Mining remains Ghana’s second-largest foreign exchange source after cocoa. In 2024, the industry generated 17.7 billion cedis ($1.68 billion), driven by a 25.1% increase in gold output. Ghana expects 5.1 million ounces of production in 2025. The audit supports the Mines Ministry’s reform agenda, which includes shorter licence terms and new revenue-sharing plans with host communities.

Strengthening Investor Confidence and Accountability

Transparent auditing aims to rebuild investor trust and enhance regulatory credibility in a volatile market. Ghana’s renewed focus on accountability also positions it as a governance model for other African mining economies.

As gold prices remain high and global demand for critical minerals grows, this audit could redefine Ghana’s fiscal and investment outlook.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Ghana’s mining audit marks a new stage in West Africa’s mining governance. It blends fiscal responsibility with structural reform, ensuring long-term national gains as global metal prices rise. While stricter oversight may raise short-term compliance costs, it enhances investor confidence and stability. SuperMetalPrice expects improved reporting and governance to attract sustainable investment and deliver fairer returns across Ghana’s gold and battery metals industries.