Stakeholders in Ghana’s mining sector have called for a major rethink of the country’s approach to mineral resource management, with emphasis on community participation, environmental protection, local value addition and greater benefits for Ghanaians.
The call was made at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra under the theme “Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate.”
The dialogue, organised by Asempa 94.7 FM’s Ekosiisen in partnership with Semmis DS and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, regulators and industry players.
Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, urged stakeholders to treat Ghana’s mineral resources as a generational inheritance and ensure mining benefits both present and future generations.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, called for greater Ghanaian ownership and expertise in the mining sector, arguing that the country must move beyond relying mainly on royalties and increase local value addition.
GoldBod CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, also called for a youth-centred approach to the sector, saying young people in mining communities must have access to decent jobs, skills, ownership and opportunities across the mining value chain.
He announced plans to establish a Gold Village in Accra in 2027 to promote jewellery manufacturing, gold fabrication and local value addition.
The Minerals Commission, meanwhile, cautioned mining companies that mineral rights are privileges subject to legal and regulatory conditions. The Commission urged companies to comply with environmental and safety standards while strengthening local content and partnerships with Ghanaian businesses.
The dialogue also focused on environmental restoration, with GoldBod announcing plans to reclaim 50 hectares of degraded land in the Tano Numri Forest Reserve and support the rehabilitation of three water treatment plants affected by illegal mining.
The discussions ended with calls for stronger collaboration among government, mining companies, traditional authorities and host communities to ensure that Ghana derives sustainable economic and social benefits from its mineral resources.
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