The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs. Justina Nelson, has reiterated the Fund’s unwavering commitment to the prudent management and investment of Ghana’s mineral royalties to ensure long-term national prosperity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from Universal Merchant Bank (UMB), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, Mrs. Nelson reaffirmed that MIIF’s strategy is rooted in transparency, discipline, and foresight, with the goal of transforming Ghana’s mineral income into a sustainable source of national wealth.
“As a sovereign fund established to create wealth from mineral royalties, every investment decision is guided by careful analysis and strategic assessment to ensure optimal value is derived.”
Mrs. Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
She emphasized that the Fund’s approach is designed to safeguard Ghana’s mineral wealth while creating lasting economic opportunities for both present and future generations.
The meeting between MIIF and UMB forms part of an ongoing drive by the Fund to deepen collaboration with financial institutions and leverage the expertise of the private sector to accelerate Ghana’s economic growth.
Discussions during the engagement focused on exploring areas of mutual interest, strengthening financial management systems, and identifying opportunities for joint ventures that align with the national development agenda.
Mrs. Nelson commended UMB’s leadership for its efforts in repositioning the bank to better serve the Ghanaian economy.
“We acknowledge the progress UMB has made under its new management.
“Collaboration between institutions like ours is essential if we are to build a resilient and self-sustaining economy.”
Mrs. Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
She also highlighted that the Fund remains focused on its three core mandates, managing and investing mineral royalties and related income on behalf of the state, maximizing the long-term value of Ghana’s mineral wealth, and supporting development through strategic investments.
“The Minerals Income Investment Fund was created with a clear purpose to ensure that Ghana’s mineral wealth does not only serve current needs but also lays the foundation for future generations to thrive.
“This long-term perspective defines how we approach investment, risk, and partnership.”
Mrs. Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
Adapting to a New Financial Reality
The MIIF CEO acknowledged that the Fund’s operations have evolved significantly following amendments to the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act (2018), Act 978, which was revised by Act 1137.
Under the new framework, the Fund no longer receives 77.6% of mineral royalties and dividends as it previously did.
Instead, MIIF now receives 2%, specifically earmarked for operational and investment purposes. “The recent legislative amendments have reshaped MIIF’s financial structure as well as our strategy,” Mrs. Nelson noted.
“Although we now receive less than before, MIIF remains fully committed to contributing meaningfully to Ghana’s development.
“We have adjusted our focus to maximize the impact of every cedi we manage.”
Mrs. Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
She explained that MIIF is diversifying its portfolio to ensure sustainable returns despite reduced inflows.
The Fund is prioritizing equity investments across sectors that have the potential to deliver strong returns while supporting national economic transformation.
Strengthening Institutional Synergy
For his part, Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, CEO of Universal Merchant Bank, lauded Mrs. Nelson for her strategic leadership and the impressive progress MIIF has achieved under her tenure.
“Your leadership has elevated the visibility and relevance of MIIF as a key national institution.
“It is inspiring to see how the Fund continues to innovate and pursue sustainability despite financial restructuring. We look forward to building a partnership that supports national growth.”
Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, CEO of Universal Merchant Bank
He stressed that the collaboration between UMB and MIIF could unlock opportunities in financial advisory, project financing, and capital market development areas that are crucial to supporting the government’s industrial and infrastructure ambitions.
“We believe that partnerships between public funds like MIIF and private sector institutions such as ours are essential to achieving Ghana’s long-term economic vision.”
Dr. Philip Oti-Mensah, CEO of Universal Merchant Bank
Building for the Future
Under Mrs. Nelson’s leadership, MIIF has launched a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors.
These partnerships are designed to enhance the Fund’s capacity to mobilize resources, diversify its investment portfolio, and ensure effective governance.
The Fund’s diversification into equities, mining infrastructure, and value-added mineral processing has been viewed as a bold move to reduce Ghana’s dependency on raw mineral exports and stabilize future royalty flows.
Mrs. Nelson concluded by reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to accountability and transparency.
“We recognize that we hold Ghana’s mineral wealth in trust for the people.
“That trust demands that we operate with the highest levels of integrity, diligence, and responsibility.”
Mrs. Justina Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF)
The meeting between MIIF and UMB marks another milestone in the Fund’s journey toward building strong institutional partnerships that drive inclusive and sustainable national growth.
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