Government has moved to reassure investors in Ghana’s mining sector that recent discussions surrounding the renewal of mining leases and resource ownership do not signal a move towards nationalising mines.
Addressing participants at the 19th West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) in Accra on Wednesday, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized that the government’s vision for the mining sector is rooted in partnership rather than expropriation, insisting that mutually beneficial arrangements between the state and investors should not be misconstrued.
His remarks come amid heightened public debate over the future of Ghana’s mineral resources and the role of foreign investors in the sector.
Seeking to allay concerns among mining companies and investors, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable and predictable business environment capable of attracting long-term investment. “To our partners and our investors, I wish to reaffirm that Ghana remains committed to providing a stable, predictable, fiscal, legal certainty, and transparent environment for investors,” Mr. Buah stated.
“So, forget about all the noise you’re hearing. You are hearing it from me. That is what we are focused on,” he added.
The minister argued that a development model in which investors earn competitive returns while simultaneously contributing to local economic transformation should not be viewed as an attempt by the state to take over mining assets.
“A win-win partnership where investors get a good return on their investment and, in return, leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, value addition and expertise cannot be nationalisation of mines. It cannot,” he emphasized.
Mr. Buah noted that while government welcomes investment into the mining industry, it expects such investments to create broader benefits for Ghanaian communities through skills development, technology transfer and local industrial growth.
He therefore called on mining companies and other investors to deepen their commitment to value addition and support efforts aimed at building downstream industries that can maximise the country’s mineral wealth.
“To our investors, we say, partner with us in building value-added industries,” he urged. The minister also called for closer collaboration among governments, policymakers and regional institutions to align development priorities and accelerate reforms needed to strengthen the mining sector across West Africa.
“Policymakers and regional institutions, we say, let us align our development frameworks and accelerate the implementation together,” he said. Mr. Buah concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s ambition to develop a mining industry that is modern, responsible, resilient and globally competitive, capable of driving sustainable economic growth while creating jobs and opportunities for future generations.
“The opportunity before us is very important. Therefore, if we act with vision, discipline and partnership, we can turn West Africa’s natural wealth into jobs, industries that guarantee security and lasting prosperity for our people,” he stated.
His remarks set the tone for discussions at this year’s WAMPEX, which has brought together policymakers, mining executives, investors and industry experts from across the continent to explore strategies for responsible mining, value addition, critical minerals development and sustainable economic transformation.
