Ghana Set to Revamp Mining Laws with Focus on Equity

Ghana’s mining and natural resources sector is set to undergo significant legislative and structural reforms as part of the government’s broader vision to ensure equitable, sustainable, and community-driven resource management.  

This was the key message delivered by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, at the Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Wednesday, July 23. 

“Since the inception of this government, President Mahama’s vision of resetting Ghana has been in full force as you all know.

“Ghanaians have appreciated the dedication and commitment of those who with the privilege of serving, including those of us at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.”

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

Speaking on the government’s commitment to transparent governance and socioeconomic transformation, the minister noted that President Mahama’s administration has remained resolute to reform the governance of Ghana’s land and natural resources. 

He emphasized that the ministry’s core mandate is to ensure the sustainable use and management of the country’s lands, forests, and mineral wealth.  

With oversight over ten specialized agencies, including the Minerals Commission, Lands Commission, Forestry Commission, and the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, the Ministry operates in close collaboration with other government ministries, the private sector, traditional authorities, and academic institutions. 

Hon. Buah outlined the critical importance of the mining sector to Ghana’s economy, calling it a “lifeline of millions of Ghanaians.”  

He acknowledged the country’s rich endowment of minerals such as gold, diamonds, bauxite, and iron, while also cautioning that these resources are under mounting pressure due to global trends in population growth, urbanization, and climate change. 

In light of these challenges, the minister announced a comprehensive review of Ghana’s mining laws, focusing particularly on the Minerals and Mining Act, which is currently at 85 percent completion.  

This review, he said, is being shaped by nationwide stakeholder consultations to ensure that the new legislation reflects the needs and aspirations of all Ghanaians, especially those in mining communities. 

Mining Law Overhaul Planned 

Among the significant proposed changes to the Act is a drastic reduction in the duration for which prospective mining licenses can be held.  

The current framework, he said, allows some licenses to be retained in perpetuity, often delaying active operations and hindering community benefits. The revised law will set clearly defined, shorter timelines. 

The Minister also confirmed that the government plans to reduce the maximum term for mining leases from the existing thirty years to a more appropriate period, arguing that the current duration grants too much leeway without adequate accountability.  

“We cannot afford to continue with policies that give large-scale access to our minerals without clearly defined returns to the communities who host these operations.” 

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

Hon. Buah emphasized the government’s intent to abolish so-called development agreements and replace them with enforceable Community Development Agreements (CDAs).  

These new agreements will compel mining companies to contribute a fixed percentage of their gross mineral revenues toward development projects within host communities. This initiative, he noted, is critical to addressing the longstanding paradox of poverty in resource-rich regions. 

“For far too long, our mining communities have remained impoverished while contributing billions to our national economy.

“With the new law, a portion of what is earned from the ground must stay with the people who live on it.” 

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

Medium-Scale Mining Regime Proposed 

He also hinted at the introduction of a medium-scale mining regime, which would bridge the gap between artisanal small-scale mining and large-scale operations.  

This proposed category is intended to formalise and regulate the growing class of mid-tier operators who currently operate in legal grey zones. 

Regarding investor protections, Hon. Buah said the government is also considering scaling back the duration of stability agreements, which currently extend up to 15 years.  

These agreements, designed to lock in fiscal and regulatory terms for major investors, would be limited to capital-intensive projects where returns take longer to realise, or scrapped altogether. 

Hon. Buah reaffirmed that these reforms are driven by a commitment to redressing historical imbalances and ensuring that Ghana’s resource wealth translates into tangible progress for all.  

“Under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, and with extensive stakeholder engagement that includes traditional authorities, civil society groups, academia, and government, we are committed to ensuring that the review of the act corrects the imbalances of the past and secures a brighter future for all Ghanaians.” 

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

As the review process nears completion, stakeholders across the country will be watching closely to see whether these reforms will mark a true turning point for Ghana’s mining communities and the broader natural resources sector. 

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