Ghana's Economy
Gold: From the Gold Coast to Today
How Ghana, once called the Gold Coast, became Africa's largest gold producer, and the role of big mines and small-scale miners.
Ghana was once called the Gold Coast.
History
Gold trade drew Portuguese and later British traders from the 1400s onward.
Today
Ghana is Africa’s largest gold producer.
Big mines
Firms like Newmont and Gold Fields operate large mines.
Exports
Gold is Ghana’s largest export earner.
Gold for oil
Ghana tried a programme to pay for oil imports with gold, launched in 2023.
Revenue
Governments debate royalties and local ownership of mines.
The gold price
When world gold prices rise, Ghana's export earnings and government revenue rise too.
Thinking cocoa is Ghana's top export
Gold is larger.
Key takeaways
- Ghana was the Gold Coast.
- It's Africa's largest gold producer.
- Gold is the top export.
- Royalties are debated.
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