Ghana bans exports of unrefined artisanal gold from 1 September 2026

From 1 September 2026, Ghana is banning the export of unrefined artisanal gold. The decision is intended to support the processing of the metal within the country, retaining an additional stage of the value chain locally.

A local refining strategy

According to RFI, the ban marks a new step in Ghana’s ambition to refine more of its gold domestically. The measure specifically concerns gold from artisanal mining that is exported without having been refined.

The stated objective is therefore to promote the local processing of the country’s resources rather than exporting them in an unrefined state.

The question of refinery viability

However, this approach faces difficulties already identified in the sector. An expert cited by RFI says that gold refineries have existed in Ghana for around 20 years, without any of them having truly succeeded in establishing themselves over the long term.

According to the same analysis, these facilities have in particular faced obstacles to turning a profit. The ban that has come into force therefore opens a new phase in the local processing policy, whose effectiveness will also depend on the refineries’ ability to operate profitably.