The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), Mrs Justina Nelson, has called for stronger gender inclusion, equity, and empowerment across Ghana’s mining industry, saying a more inclusive sector would not only promote equality but also boost productivity, innovation, and good governance.
Mrs Nelson made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 10th anniversary of Women in Mining Ghana (WIM Ghana) in Accra. She said Ghana’s mining sector must go beyond symbolic inclusion and ensure that women are fully empowered to lead, participate in decision-making, and thrive at all levels of the industry. According to her, real change requires deliberate and sustained efforts to remove barriers that limit women’s participation and growth.
She praised WIM Ghana for ten years of resilience, courage, and vision, highlighting the organisation’s advocacy, leadership development, and creation of opportunities for women in a sector historically dominated by men. “Your work has helped shape national perceptions, amplified women’s voices, challenged stereotypes, and opened doors that were once firmly shut,” Mrs Nelson said. “MIIF salutes you.”
Using data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines 2023 report, she noted that women remain underrepresented in the industry. Women account for only 9 to 10 per cent of large-scale mining employees, 9 per cent of contractor staff, 10 per cent of junior-level roles, 14 per cent of senior positions, and 21 per cent of professional roles. “These figures are interesting, but they are far from where we need to be,” she added, stressing that progress has been slow despite years of advocacy.
Mrs Nelson outlined the challenges women continue to face in mining, including unequal pay, gender bias, harassment, and limited access to leadership roles. She also shared her own experience since taking office at MIIF earlier this year, saying she has faced false publications and malicious attacks for advocating fairness and transparency. “I stand here today not as a victim, but as a woman who refuses to be distracted. Let us hold and defend one another for we are few at the top,” she said.
The MIIF boss highlighted the importance of solidarity among women leaders to overcome long-standing barriers and transform industry culture. She reaffirmed MIIF’s commitment to an inclusive and progressive mining sector, spotlighting the Women from Mining Communities (WoMCom) Scholarship Scheme, which supports financially disadvantaged but talented female students pursuing STEM education. Over 90 young women from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, have benefited from the scheme.
Mrs Nelson said MIIF plans to expand the scholarship programme in 2026 to universities in Ghana’s middle belt and northern regions, depending on corporate support. “Our goal is to ensure that women from mining communities are not left behind in Ghana’s mineral-driven transformation,” she said, calling on corporate Ghana to continue supporting women-focused initiatives as part of their CSR efforts.
In addition to gender inclusion, Mrs Nelson reported strong growth in Ghana’s mineral royalty inflows in 2025, reflecting improved regulatory compliance and investor confidence. According to MIIF data for the first three quarters, royalties from large-scale gold mining reached US$291.87 million, up 40.18 per cent from 2024. Mid-tier gold operations recorded GH₵59.44 million, a 46.38 per cent increase. Manganese royalties surged by 170 per cent to US$12.75 million, while the quarry sector generated GH₵13.15 million, up 13.12 per cent. Sand mining royalties rose by 21.48 per cent to GH₵433,406.41. “These figures underscore strong momentum in Ghana’s mineral revenue outlook,” she said.
Mrs Nelson urged all stakeholders to create a mining sector where women are respected, safe, visible, and empowered to contribute meaningfully. “As MIIF continues to secure Ghana’s mineral revenues, we stand ready to partner with Women in Mining Ghana to champion a future where gender does not limit potential,” she said. She congratulated WIM Ghana on its 10-year milestone and expressed optimism that the next decade will bring even greater transformation for women in the industry.
