Ghana Unveils $3.5 Billion AgriConnect Compact as Gold Output Hits Historic 5.94 Million Ounces

Ghana's economic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the nation records a historic surge in gold production alongside the launch of a massive agricultural investment plan. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has reported a 23.41% increase in gold output for 2025, reaching 5.94 million ounces, while the government has concurrently rolled out the $3.5 billion "Ghana AgriConnect Compact." These dual developments represent a strategic push to bolster the country’s two most vital sectors, aiming to secure long-term financial stability and job creation for millions of citizens.

The surge in gold production, which rose from 4.82 million ounces in 2024, was driven primarily by an unprecedented performance in the small-scale mining sector. According to Michael Edem Akafia, the outgoing president of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, small-scale producers saw a 63.82% increase in output, contributing 52.4% of the national total. This marks the first time in over a century that small-scale mining has surpassed large-scale production. With continued investment, the Chamber projects that output could exceed six million ounces by 2026, further cementing Ghana’s position as a dominant force in the African gold market.

Complementing the mining boom, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture has initiated the Ghana AgriConnect Compact to modernize the nation's farming industry. Supported by the World Bank and the African Development Bank, this $3.5 billion initiative aims to transition agriculture from subsistence farming to high-value agribusiness. By focusing on productivity, irrigation, and mechanization—specifically within the cocoa and rice sub-sectors—the program targets the creation of over 2.6 million jobs. A primary goal of the Compact is to significantly reduce food imports and enhance national food security by the year 2035.

These strategic advancements in mining and agriculture signal a robust period of growth for the Ghanaian economy. While the mining sector provides immediate revenue and foreign exchange through record-breaking exports, the AgriConnect Compact offers a sustainable pathway toward industrialization and food self-sufficiency. As these programs move forward, the government and its international partners hope to leverage the current mining success to fund and sustain the transition toward a more diversified and resilient agricultural economy, ensuring that the benefits of national resources reach every level of society.