Promoting Gender Equality in Ghana's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector

Strategic Insights -

As part of its efforts to promote gender equality in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector, the Environmental Protection Authority, under the planetGOLD Project, has undertaken a comprehensive review of gender responsiveness in ASGM policies, regulations, and operations. The review, which involved community engagements in the Eastern Region, revealed that women's groups are actively participating in gold processing and other small-scale mining activities, but face significant barriers, including financial exclusion, cultural taboos, and operational challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Women's groups in the ASGM sector are actively participating in gold processing and other small-scale mining activities, with a common business model involving accessing capital through loans and buying processed gold.
  • The women's groups, composed mostly of women aged 18-45 with low levels of formal education, were formed to support income generation and community development.
  • The groups face numerous systemic barriers, including financial exclusion, lack of formal dues system, and limited access to formal finance, which impedes their ability to expand operations.
  • Women in the ASGM sector also face cultural and operational barriers, such as insecurity, harassment by regulatory authorities, and prohibitions on certain foods and clothing.
  • The review recommends introducing financial literacy programs, encouraging women to open business bank accounts, and adopting and implementing gender-responsive policies by mining companies and regulatory bodies.
  • The team also stressed the importance of addressing cultural beliefs and taboos that limit women's participation in mining through community sensitization and dialogue.

Statistics:

  • 4 communities (Dome, Hemang, Jampomgmane, and Dwenase) in the Eastern Region were visited as part of the community engagements.
  • 18-45 years old is the age range of women in the women's groups in the ASGM sector.
  • 29% of the women's groups had no formal dues system or financial training.
  • 80% of the women's groups rely on informal savings systems, which often result in loss of savings.
  • 50% of the women's groups have not accessed formal bank loans.
  • 20% of the women's groups are eager to receive training in operating excavators and heavy-duty trucks.

Sources:

  • Ghana Web, "EPA embarks on comprehensive review to promote gender equality in ASGM sector" [undated]
  • Ghana News Agency [sourced as "Ghana News Agency (September 8, 2025)"]
  • Environmental Protection Authority, [no source provided]