Ghana’s long-running battle against illegal mining received renewed urgency this week during a regional consultation meeting in the Bono East Region, as traditional leaders, government officials, and regulators came together to deliberate on sustainable and equitable mining practices.
The high-level engagement, organized by the Minerals Commission in collaboration with the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs, brought to light the enduring challenges of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the inequitable distribution of mineral wealth.
It also marked a significant milestone in the government’s decentralization of mineral sector governance.
In his opening address, Bono East Regional Minister, Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, emphasized the critical need for deepened collaboration between traditional authorities and the state in curbing the destructive effects of galamsey.
“We must work together to protect our environment and secure the future of our communities. Sustainable mining is not just a policy option—it is a necessity.”
Hon. Francis Owusu Antwi, Bono East Regional Minister
Hon. Antwi revealed government plans to further restrict foreign involvement in small-scale mining operations, asserting that these activities should be the preserve of Ghanaian indigenes.
He also urged the Regional House of Chiefs to assist in resolving chieftaincy disputes that he said have hindered regional development and governance, noting that peace and stability were essential for effective resource management.
The Minister stressed the importance of land accountability, encouraging traditional leaders to ensure that lands allocated to investors are used strictly for their intended purposes.
He praised the Minerals Commission for expanding its regulatory presence into Bono East, and appealed to investors to leverage the region’s economic hubs, including the Techiman and Nkoranza markets.
He further encouraged alignment with the government’s “Feed Ghana” initiative, which aims to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity.
Representing the traditional authorities, the Paramount Chief of the Basa Traditional Area, Nana Owusu Sakyi III, welcomed the Commission’s presence and applauded efforts to bring governance closer to resource-rich communities.
However, he voiced serious concerns about the current mineral royalty disbursement system, which he described as unfair and inadequate.
“In many cases, we have been shortchanged in our own land.
“The mineral royalties we receive do not reflect the environmental damage, social disruption, and responsibilities we bear.”
Nana Owusu Sakyi III, Paramount Chief of the Basa Traditional Area
Nana Sakyi called on the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to hold broader consultations with chiefs nationwide to build a more equitable framework for sharing mineral wealth.
He reaffirmed the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs’ commitment to safeguarding the environment and promoting responsible resource use.
“We are ready to work with all stakeholders to protect the environment and secure the interests of future generations.”
Nana Owusu Sakyi III, Paramount Chief of the Basa Traditional Area
Mining Policy Dialogue
The consultation also featured technical presentations by senior officials from the Minerals Commission.
Dr. Ahmed Tijani explained the mission of the delegation, emphasizing that the team was in the region to listen and incorporate the concerns of traditional authorities into national mining policies.
Mr. Josef Iroko, Manager-Legal at the Commission, elaborated on the legal and institutional roles of traditional leaders within the mining sector.
He discussed the existing mining law framework, highlighting the essential role of District Mining Committees in regulating mining operations locally.
He emphasized that allodial landowners, chiefs and local communities are legally entitled to compensation under the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703).
Iroko introduced key proposals under review, including the creation of a new “medium-scale” mining category to bridge the gap between small-scale and large-scale operations.
He also revealed plans for Community Development Agreements (CDAs), which would mandate that 1% of mining companies’ revenue be directed towards local development projects.
“These CDAs are designed to ensure that mining communities receive meaningful support, even those indirectly affected by mining operations.”
Mr. Josef Iroko, Manager-Legal at Minerals Commission
Questions, however, were raised about the robustness of enforcement mechanisms and whether oversight would be improved under the new regime.
Mining Policy Reform
Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Chairman of the Policy Review Committee and former CEO of the Minerals Commission, provided insight into the Draft Review of Ghana’s Minerals and Mining Policy.
He stressed the importance of public consultation and community participation in shaping fair and sustainable regulations.
Mr. Aryee highlighted the policy’s key objectives: supporting environmentally responsible mining, protecting the rights of landowners and host communities, and ensuring a balanced distribution of revenues.
He also acknowledged the need to revisit existing mining contracts to ensure they reflect the national interest and deliver fair returns.
“This policy framework aims to strike a socially acceptable balance between resource extraction and environmental protection.”
Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Chairman of the Policy Review Committee and former CEO of the Minerals Commission
He added that enforcing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards in artisanal and small-scale mining would be a core part of the reforms.
Stakeholders at the meeting raised additional concerns, including the unchecked use of prospecting licenses, the role of traditional authorities in vetting mining applications, and the proliferation of foreign operators in small-scale mining.
As discussions concluded, it was clear that Ghana’s mineral governance is at a crossroads. The demand for stronger community involvement, better royalty distribution, and stricter enforcement reflects a growing consensus that mining must benefit the many, not the few.
What lies ahead is the challenge of transforming these dialogues into decisive action anchored in fairness, sustainability, and accountability. For Bono East and many regions like it, the future of mining may well determine the future of development itself.
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