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Ghana, UNDP And Partners Validate Strategies To Promote Mercury-Free Small-Scale Gold Mining

The Government of Ghana, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), has concluded a four-day stakeholder validation workshop for the planetGOLD Ghana Project in Accra.

Date Created : 11/5/2026 : Story Author : Theresa Workartey/ Ghanadistricts.com

The workshop, held from October 27 to 30, 2026, brought together key stakeholders, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Minerals Commission, District Assemblies, Women in Mining groups, Civil Society Organisations and representatives of local mining entities.

The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to review and validate strategies aimed at transforming Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible sector.

The project seeks to protect 100,000 miners and community members, comprising 55,000 men and 45,000 women, from the harmful effects of mercury exposure, while targeting the elimination of nine tonnes of mercury over its lifespan.

It will also support pilot mining entities in the Ashanti, Eastern and Western Regions, among other areas, with access to financing and mercury-free mining technologies to promote safer gold extraction practices.

Additionally, the initiative aims to reach more than 300,000 people through public education campaigns, social media engagement, educational roadshows, health outreach programmes and the establishment of local protection committees.

Project Coordinator, Mr. Lovelace Sarpong, underscored the importance of formalising the small-scale mining sector and strengthening collaboration among institutions to achieve sustainable, mercury-free mining practices.

He noted that these efforts were also critical to Ghana's commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The planetGOLD Ghana Project is expected to contribute to the protection of human health, environmental conservation and the promotion of responsible artisanal and small-scale gold mining in the country.