Ghana’s Mining Overhaul: Chiefs to Play Key Role in Licensing and Oversight

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Yusif Sulemana(MP), has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the Ashanti Region as the hub of Ghana’s mineral wealth, particularly gold, which has long driven livelihoods, economic growth, and national heritage.

Addressing the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs,
Hon. Sulemana emphasized Government’s commitment, under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership, to addressing historical imbalances and securing a more equitable future for all Ghanaians.

“Nananom, we firmly believe that no mineral right—whether for small-scale, medium-scale, or large-scale mining—should be granted without the full involvement and consent of traditional authorities,” he declared.

The Deputy Minister announced that the endorsement of traditional authorities will now be a mandatory requirement in the licensing process, ensuring that mining activities align with community interests.

Additionally, he announced the Introduction of the Cooperative Mining Scheme, which enables local cooperatives under the co-leadership of traditional authority to own and manage sustainable mining ventures.

The Deputy Minister outlined key policy objectives:

1. Prioritizing Ghanaian interests over foreign corporate gains in mining activities.

2. Protecting land and water bodies from environmental degradation.

3. Supporting local miners in establishing lawful, profitable enterprises to boost economic growth.

Hon. Sulemana commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, for his relentless advocacy for responsible mining and environmental preservation and called for increased engagement from all traditional Leaders.

He emphasized that the review presents a timely opportunity to formalize and further leverage this leadership to integrate traditional oversight into licensing to ensure community representation, enhance community ownership under the Cooperative Mining Scheme, and enforce accountability among miners to uphold transparency and environmental stewardship.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended Government for this initiative and urged Ghana to shift focus from mere royalty collection to maximizing the full value chain of mineral exploitation. “Royalties are just a fraction of our potential wealth. As Africa’s leading gold producer, we must demand local participation, value addition, and infrastructure development,” he asserted.

The Asantehene called for stricter regulations to prevent multinational firms from repatriating profits without meaningful local investment. He challenged the Minerals Commission to intensify monitoring to curb environmental destruction.

Mr. Martin Ayisi, CEO of the Minerals Commission, highlighted proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). The revisions aim to: Curb illegal mining and improve royalty collection, regulate foreign involvement in small-scale mining, and strengthen environmental and social safeguards.

“These amendments seek a more transparent, sustainable mining sector, aligning with global best practices to ensure long-term national benefits,” he added.