For the first time in Ghana’s history, gold exports from the artisanal and small-scale mining sector have surpassed those from the large-scale mining sector, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced during the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament.

Dr. Ato Forson attributed this milestone to the effective operations of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), which has facilitated substantial foreign exchange inflows, strengthened Ghana’s reserves, improved the balance of payments, and provided critical support for the Ghana cedi.

“Mr. Speaker, this tells a story of a country which has been denied the full benefit of its gold resources,” he said.

The Finance Minister used the occasion to urge gold traders to strictly adhere to GoldBod regulations. He warned that the government of President Mahama will take strong action against illegal trade and smuggling, describing these activities as “nation-wrecking” and detrimental to Ghana’s progress.

“I also want to use this opportunity as the sector Minister to reiterate that the government of President Mahama will deal ruthlessly with anyone found engaging in illegal trade and smuggling. As this nation-wrecking activity sabotages the progress of our country… no one should come to us and beg,” Ato Forson emphasized.