Although a growing body of research emphasizes the role of women in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in developing countries, gender inequality is still persistent in the sector. The paper investigates whether ASM sector policies integrate gender equality principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, we analyze the implications of formalization policy and a ban on informal mining for the attainment of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) using a qualitative case study of informal gold mining in Ghana. In this study, we assess how these solutions to ASM governance engage with gender equality targets and women’s participation in the governance functions using Salience and Institutional Analysis and Design (SIAD) framework. We highlight policy shortcomings with regards to internationally agreed targets on gender equality and draw recommendations for formalization policies in the ASM sector