Gold exports hit a record high in the first half of 2024, totaling $5 billion out of Ghana’s $9.2 billion in total exports. Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Martin Ayisi, attributed this to the surge in gold prices and increased production from both small- and large-scale operations. The gold price averaged $2,338 per ounce in the second quarter, with a new record of $2,482 on July 17, 2024. Ayisi predicts that if prices hold, the full-year gold export could exceed $10 billion. Small-scale mining alone contributed $1.7 billion in the first half of the year, making up 36% of gold exports. Ayisi emphasized that the true economic benefits of mining lie in value addition, citing initiatives in lithium, bauxite, manganese, and local gold refining. Ghana Manganese Company plans to build a $450 million refinery, creating 350 jobs and increasing ore grade from 27% to 40%. New measures aim to boost local content, ensuring over $2 billion spent by mining companies on local supplies and services are directed to Ghanaians. The government also encourages mining companies to list on the Ghana Stock Exchange to raise capital for projects. Ayisi called for improved environmental management in small-scale mining, which supports around three million livelihoods across 12 regions in Ghana.