Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
Ghana's Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for a fundamental transformation of the Minerals Commission's operations to ensure responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Key Takeaways
- *Overhaul of Mining Policies*: The Minister advocates for a complete revision of mining policies and the licensing regime to combat illegal mining activities.
- *Regulatory Reforms*: Bold operational changes are needed within the Minerals Commission to restore confidence in its regulatory abilities.
- *Patriotism and Selflessness*: Staff are urged to prioritize patriotism and selflessness in their duties, with a focus on collective effort to revolutionize the licensing regime.
- *Open-Door Policy*: The Minister pledges an open-door policy, committing to staff welfare and professional growth.
Industry Context
The Minerals Commission plays a vital role in regulating Ghana's mineral resources, with recent initiatives promoting sustainable mining practices and local content participation. The Minerals and Mining (Local Content and Local Participation) Regulations, 2020, aim to ensure mining activities benefit local communities and contribute to national economic growth.¹
Challenges Ahead
However, concerns have been raised about the Commission's effectiveness, with some calling for the removal of its current leadership. The Minister's call for reform comes amid reports of irregularities and controversies surrounding mining licenses, including the potential takeover of FGR Bogoso Prestea Mining Limited by a British company.²