Ghana overtakes South Africa to become Africa’s top gold producer

- Ghana exported 158 tonnes of gold in 2018, about 15% increase over the previous year.

Ghana has officially overtaken South Africa to become the largest producer of gold in Africa. This is according to a recent data released by the World Bank. The data said Ghana exported about 15% increase in its export of gold in 2018. According to the World Bank, Ghana exported 158 tonnes of gold in 2018, as compared to South Africa's 139.3 tonnes.

It said mining firms operating in the country include Newmont Mining Corporation, Gold Fields, Anglogold Ashanti and Asanko Gold.

The data said some rural communities are expected to benefit from a scale-up of the Ghana Forest Investment Program.

These are communities and towns that are affected by the environmental damage and pollution associated with destructive artisanal mining and logging practices.

The Word Bank approved additional financing of $19.39 million to the Ghana Forest Investment Program.

The main aim of the program is to protect and rehabilitate forest reserves by collaborating with cocoa farmers and communities.

It also aims to reclaim illegal mining sites and to reduce erosion which often leads to degradation and pollution of water bodies.

GNA reports that the Ghana Forest Investment Program also seeks to engage the private sector in plantation development to reduce pressure on natural.

Source: Yen.com.gh