Ghana Step Up Mercury Phase-Out in Small-Scale Gold Mining Through planetGOLD Project

The Government of Ghana, through the Environmental Protection Authority and in partnership with the UNDP and UNIDO has stepped up efforts to phase out mercury use in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector under the Global Environment Facility funded planet GOLD Ghana project.

Two community workshops were recently held in Asankragwa (Wassa Amenfi West) and Prestea (Prestea Huni-Valley District) to educate miners on the dangers of mercury and the benefits of adopting safer, mercury-free gold processing technologies.

Municipal Chief Executive for Wassa Amenfi West, Ms. Priscilla Yorke, at the Asankragwa workshop, urged miners to embrace sustainable practices, stressing that “mercury-free mining will protect both the environment and the health of our people.”

Project Coordinator, Mr. Lovelace Sarpong, explained that the initiative is designed to minimize mercury risks, improve financial inclusion for miners, and help Ghana meet its commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Dr Ishmael Quiacoe from the University of Mines and Technology who was the resource person highlighted alternative technologies such as gravimetric separation and flotation, while also warning that mercury exposure can cause kidney damage, nervous system disorders, and reproductive health risks.

The project team also held a live radio discussion on Best FM in Bogoso, reaching an estimated 230,000 listeners across Prestea and Tarkwa, further spreading awareness about the need for responsible mining.

Miners and other value chain actors expressed interest in mercury-free gold processing technologies and called for financial support to aid the transition.