Victoria Awuni: Ghana’s Mining Industry Driving Inclusive Growth And Development

Madam Victoria Awuni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles & Local Content at Ghana’s Minerals Commission, has highlighted Ghana’s approach to inclusive mining at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Speaking at the plenary session on “Value for All: Inclusive Strategies Across Mineral Value Chains,” Awuni showcased how Ghana’s mining sector leverages local content and procurement frameworks to promote inclusive employment, gender equality, and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) participation.
Awuni noted that Ghana’s local content regime balances local and foreign expertise. Mining companies are required to reserve specific job opportunities for Ghanaian citizens while integrating foreign expertise to support technology transfer and productivity. Mine managers are expected to be Ghanaian nationals after five years of operation, and laws mandate employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.

Gender Equality
Awuni explained that Ghanaian legislation requires mining firms to demonstrate gender parity through localization plans submitted to the Minerals Commission. While a 2022 IGF study showed women were mostly in clerical roles, Ghana is now reinforcing women’s participation in technical and managerial positions through legal and policy measures.
Mining generates opportunities for supporting businesses. Ghana has earmarked 51 goods and services for local businesses with significant local shareholding, generating USD 2.6 billion in 2024 and creating employment beyond the mines themselves.
Awuni highlighted community development initiatives, including ICT labs in schools, technology training, and road construction projects such as Newmont’s 10.2 km Afrisipa-Tekyire bypass and Goldfields’ 33 km Tarkwa-Damang road reconstruction. These projects enhance connectivity, digital skills, and energy access in host mining communities.
Awuni concluded that Ghana’s experience demonstrates how coherent local content policies ensure mining contributes not only to national revenue but also to broad-based social and economic benefits.
The Ghanaian delegation included: Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi (Technical Advisor, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources); Mrs. Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu (Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General & Ministry of Justice); Dr. Ahmed Tijani (Head of Corporate Affairs and IT, Minerals Commission); Mrs. Leona Serwah Johnson-Abassah (Chief State Attorney); Mr. Wisdom B. Puplampu (Assistant Manager, Research and Statistics, Minerals Commission); and Mr. Gabriel Gaanu (Manager, Mining Sector, Domestic Tax Division, Ghana Revenue Authority).