GEF GOLD+ in Ghana: Advancing formalization and mercury-free gold in Ghana To reduce the use of mercury and increase incomes in the ASGM sector in the participating countries through a holistic, multisectoral integrated formalization approach, and increasing access to finance leading to adoption of sustainable mercury free technologies and access to traceable gold supply chains. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. The Government of Ghana (GoG) has a strong record of ratifying and domesticating global and regional commitments, including Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) related to sustainable land, forest, and waste management. In 2017, the Government articulated a national vision for a prosperous nation through the creative use of human and natural resources, operating within a democratic, open, and fair society with mutual trust and economic opportunities exist for all. As a prominent advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the GoG highlighted the alignment of this vision and its national policy frameworks with the 2030 development Agenda, and Agenda 2063.     The project’s goal is to minimize risks to mercury exposure to human beings and the environment due to the use of mercury in the ASGM sector in compliance with the Minamata Convention, recognizing the multi-dimensional impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on the environment, health and rural poverty.     At the District level, the implementation of coordinated demonstration actions with the private sector in the field will show the opportunities of institutional integration and coordination, private-driven investments, will demonstrate that the positive results of these pilot interventions would serve to improve and enforce current regulation for environmentally sound management of mercury in the ASGM sector. Innovative market interventions offer alternative solutions to other West African parties of the Minamata Convention and will follow and integrate these strategies in their efforts to phase outchemical hazardous substances. For this, a public awareness and communication strategy for the elimination of mercury, related wastes and safer alternatives should result in direct gains for the citizens and the environment.    Additional economic and social benefits that will be brought on by the project:    · Reduced health impact from the exposure to hazardous chemicals, particularly the use of mercury for the amalgamation of gold for gold mining as well as for gold extraction. The project estimates to increase awareness of about 360,000 people, of which 180,000 females and 180,000 males.  · Considered newly identified risks related to the global pandemic amid the COVID-19 virus that may affect the implementation of the project, especially to Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.   · Job creation through opportunities enhanced in the deployment of mercury-free technologies.   · Improved policy, regulatory, monitoring and analysis frameworks, to safeguard human health and the environment.How do these benefits translate in supporting the achievement of global environment benefits (GEF Trust Fund) or adaptation benefits (LDCF/SCCF)? In the BAU national context of the Ghana economy, limiting the country´s capacity on elimination of mercury in the ASGM sector will put a heavy burden in the compliance of international regulations committed by this country with the Minamata Convention. The Global Environmental Benefits (GEB) of the project at the CEO endorsement stage, are the same as presented at the PIF stage. The positive impacts of the project will include the following reduction:        Ø Nine (9) tons of mercury avoided.