A high-level delegation from the Ghana Chamber of Mines, which represents the interests of the mining industry in the country, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.

Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, who warmly received the delegation, stressed that the mining sector’s contributions to Ghana’s economic growth cannot be overstated.

The Minister noted that over the years, mining has been an essential driver of economic development, supporting infrastructure, job creation, and poverty alleviation. The sector also remains a key source of foreign exchange through mineral exports, including gold, bauxite, and manganese.

“The role of small-scale mining in local communities is crucial.
“The government is creating policies that will encourage cooperative small-scale mining, empowering local communities and ensuring that they benefit from the wealth generated by the mineral resources in their areas.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

The primary objective of this visit was to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and to provide a comprehensive overview of the performance of the mineral sector in Ghana over recent years.

The delegation also took the opportunity to highlight key challenges currently facing mining operations in the country.

Another key issue raised by the Minister was the persistence of illegal mining, especially in forest reserves and water bodies, which has caused significant environmental degradation in recent years.

To combat illegal mining, Hon. Buah urged the Ghana Chamber of Mines to work closely with the government in supporting efforts to curb illegal operations.

Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources

He stressed that cooperation between the Chamber and the government would play a significant role in ensuring that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner, thus protecting both the environment and the broader economy.

“We are committed to addressing the insecurity caused by illegal mining activities.
“But we cannot do this alone. We need the Chamber’s support and active participation.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

He also assured that the government would address concerns around the security of mining operations to create an environment where both investors and Ghanaians could thrive.

The Minister highlighted the importance of building local capacity in the mining sector. He suggested that companies operating in Ghana’s mining industry should prioritize contract mining for Ghanaians.

This initiative, he argued, would not only ensure value addition within the country but also contribute to the development of local skills and the empowerment of Ghanaian citizens in the mining value chain.

“The more we engage locals in the mining process, the more we help build sustainable industries and support the development of skills that will benefit the country for generations to come.”
Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah

Mining Sector’s Contributions to Ghana’s Economy

The President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, who led the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Minister for his warm reception.

Mr. Akafia provided an overview of the sector’s performance in 2024 and projections for 2025. He also outlined the substantial contributions that the sector continues to make to Ghana’s economy, including local procurement, export revenues, and job creation.

“The minerals sector has anchored the country’s development right through colonial to modern eras.
“Our member companies have contributed significantly to the development of infrastructure, the creation of jobs, and the promotion of local businesses.”
Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines

Mr. Akafia also highlighted key initiatives by the Chamber, including the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme and the Voluntary Forex Sale Program.

These initiatives have significantly contributed to Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves, with the Chamber’s producing members accounting for 87.8% of forex receipts obtained by the Bank of Ghana under the program.

“We are keen to continue working with the Ministry to leverage the potential of the mining sector.
“We believe there are vast opportunities for growth, but that will only be possible if we work together to build a robust, sustainable, and inclusive mining industry.”
Mr. Michael Edem Akafia, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines

The meeting between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources marked a significant step in the ongoing collaboration between government and industry.

Both parties acknowledged the challenges the mining sector faces but expressed optimism for the future.

With the right policies, investments, and collective efforts, Ghana’s mining industry remains poised for growth, with the potential to drive the country’s economy forward in the coming years.