The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for greater collaboration and flexibility in the ongoing review of the country’s Minerals and Mining Act, stressing the need for an inclusive approach that balances national development goals with the sustainability of the mining industry.
Speaking at the Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra, the Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ahmed Nantogmah, said the review process must protect the interests of companies, workers, and host communities while ensuring that the country’s long-term economic agenda is achieved. He noted that inclusive and balanced policies would guarantee stability in the sector, which remains one of Ghana’s most important sources of foreign exchange.
Mr. Nantogmah assured that the Chamber of Mines was ready to work closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that the revised law is both forward-looking and responsive to the challenges of the industry. According to him, the objective should not only be to regulate the sector but also to provide the right environment for growth, investment, and community development.
Highlighting key development priorities, Mr. Nantogmah urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to fast-track the completion of the western rail line, which is expected to improve the efficiency of mineral transport. He explained that the rail project would lower logistics costs, enhance safety, and create greater efficiency in the movement of bulk commodities such as manganese and bauxite. However, he advised the government to consider the livelihoods of truck owners currently engaged in hauling minerals.
“Government should bring on board the owners of the trucks that haul the manganese to be part of the rail line development, so they don’t lose their livelihoods when the rail lines are done,” Mr. Nantogmah said.
He also called for sustained investment in geological exploration to unlock Ghana’s full mineral potential. According to him, continuous exploration is vital for attracting new investments, expanding the resource base, and ensuring long-term industry growth.
In addition, he stressed the need for urgent reforms in the small-scale mining sector. While small-scale mining contributes significantly to Ghana’s mineral output, it is also associated with environmental degradation and social challenges. Mr. Nantogmah recommended that the government streamline and properly regulate the sector to maximise revenue contributions while minimising its negative impacts.
The Chamber’s Chief Operating Officer further reiterated the importance of passing a Minerals Revenue Management Act. Such legislation, he explained, would provide a transparent framework for the collection, allocation, and use of mineral revenues, ensuring that the benefits from the sector are channelled into sustainable national development projects.
Mr. Nantogmah also commended the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) for its corporate social investment initiative, which focuses on using mineral revenues for structured community development. He described the programme as a progressive model that demonstrates how the mining sector can directly improve the livelihoods of people in host communities through better education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Stakeholders at the convention welcomed the Chamber’s recommendations, noting that they align with ongoing government efforts to review mining policies in line with global best practices. Analysts say that a more inclusive Minerals and Mining Act could position Ghana as a competitive mining destination in Africa, attract fresh capital inflows, and address long-standing challenges in infrastructure and environmental management.
The mining sector remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, contributing significantly to export earnings, government revenue, and employment. With gold, bauxite, manganese, and other minerals forming the backbone of the industry, policymakers and industry leaders are under pressure to strike a balance between regulation, sustainability, and growth. The outcome of the review process is expected to shape the sector’s future and its role in Ghana’s economic transformation.
