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Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has praised Ghana’s gold industry for its substantial contribution to national growth, revealing that the sector injected GH₵88.1 billion into the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024.
Speaking at the official opening of the Newmont Ahafo North Mine at Afrisipakrom in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, the Vice President also disclosed that Ghana’s gold exports surged to a record US$11.2 billion in August 2025 alone, a reflection of growing investor confidence in Ghana’s economy, governance, and development potential.
“These figures demonstrate an encouraging level of confidence in Ghana’s economy, governance, and national potential,” Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said.
A symbol of partnership and progress
Located about 30 kilometres from Newmont’s existing Ahafo South Mine, the newly commissioned Ahafo North Mine is Newmont’s third major investment in Ghana and its second active mining operation in the country.
The grand ceremony brought together dignitaries including His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene; Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah; and several industry stakeholders.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang described the inauguration as “an act of partnership and progress,” reaffirming Ghana’s standing as Africa’s largest gold producer and the sixth largest globally.
“This project was achieved through dialogue and compromise, a mark of maturity among our leaders,” she said.
She also lauded the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his leadership in fostering harmony among stakeholders and commended Newmont for nearly three decades of impactful presence in Ghana, including its support for government initiatives such as the ‘Big Push’ infrastructure agenda.
Newmont commits to responsible mining
The President and CEO of Newmont Corporation, Tom Palmer, recounted the challenges faced during the development of the Ahafo North project, particularly those arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and delayed engineering works.
Despite these obstacles, he said the company’s resilience and commitment to excellence had paid off, adding that the new mine would deliver significant long-term benefits to Ghana’s economy and people.
“The Ahafo North Mine represents a major financial investment in Ghana, one that will contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progressive development,” Mr Palmer said.
“It will create thousands of jobs, generate substantial revenue for government, and open up opportunities for local businesses and suppliers.”
He further reaffirmed Newmont’s pledge to operate with the highest standards of safety, environmental care, and community engagement, emphasizing that the company’s success depends on the wellbeing of the communities within which it operates.
Government emphasizes environmental stewardship
In his remarks, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, underscored the importance of responsible mining in achieving environmental sustainability and social balance.
“Responsible mining remains a beacon of environmental stewardship,” he said.
“It demands the collective effort of all stakeholders to ensure our natural resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The Minister expressed optimism that Newmont would maintain its high standards of ethical and responsible mining, thereby strengthening the longstanding partnership between the company and the people of Ghana.
A milestone for Ghana’s mining future
The commissioning of the Ahafo North Mine marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s mining history, a celebration of cooperation between government, traditional authority, and private enterprise.
With the gold sector continuing to play a pivotal role in national development, the event not only showcased Ghana’s growing industrial capability but also reaffirmed its position as a leader in sustainable mining on the African continent.
