Ghana’s state-run artisanal gold exporter is preparing contingency plans to reroute shipments to alternative refining hubs if aviation disruptions in the United Arab Emirates persist, highlighting Africa’s heavy reliance on Dubai as a global bullion trading centre.
Officials at Ghana’s Gold Board (GoldBod), established last year to regulate the country’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, said contingency routes to refineries in China and India are under consideration, though these would increase transport costs.
Dubai typically refines about 80% of Ghana’s ASM gold, which surged 63% last year to 96 metric tons valued at roughly $15.8 billion, accounting for more than half of national output.
Air-cargo flows through Dubai have slowed amid regional aviation disruptions linked to the escalating Iran conflict, temporarily grounding large portions of Gulf air traffic.
Analysts warn prolonged disruption could reshape global bullion logistics, exposing vulnerabilities in Africa’s gold export supply chains.
