Seeking better outcomes for West Africa’s gold sector

This policy brief provides policymakers and stakeholders with clear and actionable recommendations.

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While artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is an important source of livelihoods in West Africa, informality leaves it vulnerable to exploitation by criminal and conflict actors. To best address the challenge, supporting the formalisation of the ASGM sector will be critical. This report, informed by a regional workshop, explores root causes of challenges and options for responses.

About the authors

Marcena Hunter is the thematic lead on extractives and illicit flows at the GI-TOC. While her work has covered a broad range of material and geographic spread, she is currently focused on gold- related crime, other mineral resources, illicit financial flows and development responses to organised crime.

Dr Gideon Ofosu-Peasah is an analyst at the GI-TOC. His work primarily focuses on the extractive industries in West Africa and the issue of organised crime in Ghana.

Theodora Williams Anti is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa, (FOSDA). She is a gender equality expert with a focus on women peace and security.

Dr Edgar Takyi Akonor is a Senior Lecturer at the Anthropology Department of the University of Cape Coast. Ghana. He specialises in criminology/criminal justice, small arms, peace, and security.

Rayane EL Ghastalany is a doctoral researcher in the field of mining at the University of Nouakchott.

Gabriel Moberg is an analyst. He has focused on natural resource governance and illicit financial flows. Gabriel is a Fulbright scholar and Master in Public Policy candidate at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.