Production rebound follows a 2.4% decline in 2025, driven by new projects and operational improvements amid lingering risks.
West Africa’s gold production is forecast to rebound 8.0% in 2026 after a 2.4% decline in 2025, driven by mine restarts, new project ramp-ups, and better operational performance. Ghana, the region’s largest producer, saw output rise just 0.5% in 2025 due to lower grades and operational challenges at key mines.
The recovery will be supported by Newmont’s Ahafo North, Shandong Gold’s Namdini, and Asante Gold’s Bibiani, alongside improvements at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi. However, security risks, permitting delays, and policy shifts, including Ghana’s sliding-scale royalty regime, pose ongoing challenges.
Ghana’s government also took control of Gold Fields’ Damang mine in April 2026, signaling tighter state oversight and a push for domestic value capture. The sector remains uneven, with mature mines declining even as new projects come online.