The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has indicated that it is undertaking a comprehensive review of Ghana’s mining laws to align them with international best practices and strengthen the sector’s contribution to national development.
Speaking at the Upper East Regional Development and Business Forum in Bolgatanga, the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana on Tuesday June 30, said the reforms are aimed at ensuring that mining goes beyond mineral extraction to drive sustainable local development, job creation, and industrialisation.
According to him, the review will strengthen key provisions covering community benefit-sharing, environmental protection, mine closure obligations, and local participation across the mining value chain.
“We are undertaking a comprehensive review of the legislative framework to ensure it reflects modern standards and provides stronger safeguards for communities and the environment.”
The Deputy Minister further revealed that government is working to strengthen the Mineral Development Fund to enhance transparency in the use of mining revenues and ensure that investments align with long-term regional development priorities, including the PEARL Framework.
He also encouraged entrepreneurs and professionals in the Upper East Region to position themselves to benefit from emerging procurement opportunities in the mining sector, stressing the importance of local content participation.
“The time has come for our businesses, contractors and skilled professionals to prepare themselves because local content means giving local people meaningful opportunities to participate in the mining economy.”
He added that mining companies will be required to procure goods and services locally where feasible and prioritise the employment of qualified residents from host communities.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that mining becomes a key driver of inclusive growth while safeguarding the environment and community livelihoods.
