The Ghana Chamber of Mines has called for greater collaboration and flexibility in the ongoing review of the Minerals and Mining Act, urging government and stakeholders to adopt an inclusive approach that balances national development goals with industry sustainability.
Speaking
at the Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra, the Chamber’s Chief Operating
Officer, Ahmed Nantogmah, stressed that the review process must safeguard
the interests of companies, workers, and communities while aligning with
Ghana’s long-term development agenda.
Nantogmah underscored that inclusive policies are critical to the sector’s
long-term stability. He noted that the Chamber remains committed to working
closely with government and stakeholders to ensure the revised Minerals and
Mining Act is both forward-looking and responsive to the needs of the industry,
communities, and the nation.
Touching
on key development areas, Mr. Nantogmah urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural
Resources to expediate action on the development of the western rail line to
enhance business efficiency.
He
urged government to “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.
In
his presentation, Mr. Nantogmah highlighted other several priority areas for
reform. He called for sustained investment in geological exploration to expand
the country’s mineral potential and attract new investments.
Further,
he emphasized the need to streamline and regulate the small-scale mining sector
to maximize revenue contributions while reducing environmental and social
impacts.
The
Chief Operating Officer reiterated the call for the passage of a minerals
revenue management act to ensure that mineral revenues are managed
transparently and used effectively for sustainable national development.
He
expressed the Chamber’s support for the Goldbod’s corporate social investment initiative,
describing it as a progressive model for channeling mining revenues into
structured community development programs that improve livelihoods in host
communities.
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