The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has announced a comprehensive review of Ghana’s mining laws to align them with international best practices and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.
Speaking at the Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum in Bolgatanga on Tuesday, June 30, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, said the reforms are intended to ensure that mining goes beyond mineral extraction to promote sustainable local development, job creation and industrialisation.
According to him, the review will strengthen key provisions on community benefit-sharing, environmental protection, mine closure obligations and local participation throughout the mining value chain.
“We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the legislative framework to ensure it reflects modern standards and provides stronger safeguards for communities and the environment,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also disclosed that government is working to strengthen the Mineral Development Fund to improve transparency in the use of mining revenues and ensure investments support long-term regional development priorities, including the PEARL Framework.
He further encouraged entrepreneurs, contractors and skilled professionals in the Upper East Region to position themselves to benefit from emerging procurement opportunities in the mining sector.
“The time has come for our businesses, contractors and skilled professionals to prepare themselves because local content means giving local people meaningful opportunities to participate in the mining economy,” he stated.
Mr. Sulemana added that mining companies will be required to procure goods and services locally where feasible and prioritise the employment of qualified residents from host communities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s mining sector becomes a major driver of inclusive economic growth while protecting the environment and improving livelihoods in mining communities.
