Accra: The gold industry contributed $88.1 billion to the nation’s Gross Domestic Products in 2024, the Vice President Professor Jane Nana Opoku-Agyemang said on Thursday. She said as at August 2025, the sector had added $11.2 billion to the GDP, noting that gold has shaped the nation’s history, communities, and economy.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Vice President disclosed this information during the inauguration of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine at Afrispakrom in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang indicated that the opening of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine was a testament to partnership and progress, highlighting Ghana’s status as the largest gold-producing country in Africa and the sixth in the world.
She noted that for nearly three decades, Newmont’s presence in the country has been evident in several positive ways and commended the company for supporting the government’s ‘Big Push’ road infrastructure agenda. The Vice President expressed the government’s gratitude to the company for reshaping the 46-kilometer Sunyani-Atronie highway and expressed hope that the company would continue to improve the nation’s road networks.
The investment in the Ahafo North Mine exceeded $1 billion, and Prof. Opoku-Agyemang hoped the mine would create more job opportunities for locals, stimulate local economic growth and development, and transform the socio-economic livelihoods of the people. She emphasized that the project was achieved through dialogue and compromise and acknowledged the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for maintaining harmony among stakeholders.
Mr. Tom Palmer, the Chief Executive Officer of Newmont, stated that the Ahafo North Mine represents a significant financial investment in Ghana that will contribute to the progressive development of the nation’s economy, creating opportunities for businesses and suppliers. He emphasized Newmont’s commitment to responsible mining practices, environmental protection, and improving the socio-economic lives of the communities around the mine, with a strong focus on safety.
Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, highlighted the critical role of responsible mining in environmental sustainability. He expressed hope that the mine would adhere to responsible mining practices to strengthen the friendly relationship between Ghana and Newmont. He stressed that mining remains a beacon of responsible stewardship, requiring the collective support of all stakeholders.