# Ghana gold sector formalization and economic shifts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-gold-sector-formalization-and-economic-shifts > Updated: 2026-09-10T06:12:37.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2. Ghana is implementing structural economic changes centered on the formalization of its gold sector and the expansion of digital infrastructure. In early September 2026, the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) issued a directive requiring certain exporters, specifically Self-Financing Aggregators, to refine gold dore locally before export. This policy, enacted under the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, aims to ensure the country retains more economic value by allowing local companies to capture margins previously lost to overseas processors. While intended to boost the economy, the short notice of the mandate has created operational challenges for companies with existing contracts. Broadening this focus, the government is utilizing GoldBod to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining to reduce smuggling and increase foreign exchange reserves. Alongside these commodity reforms, Ghana is experiencing significant digital growth, with the ICT sector recording a 30.9% surge in the second quarter of 2026. Efforts to support this transition include infrastructure projects to expand broadband access via fiber optic cables along power lines. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-10: Ghana shifts economic focus toward gold formalization and digital growth Ghana is driving economic growth through gold sector formalization via GoldBod and rapid ICT expansion, supported by new US-funded fiber optic infrastructure projects. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ghana-shifts-economic-focus-toward-gold-formalization-and-digital-growth ### 2026-09-02: Ghana mandates local refining of gold dore before export Ghana is now requiring certain gold exporters to refine gold dore locally before export, a move by the Ghana Gold Board to retain more economic value within the country. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-nations-implement-new-gold-mining-and-environmental-regulations --- Cite as: Ghana gold sector formalization and economic shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ghana-gold-sector-formalization-and-economic-shifts