Ghana is seeking to increase the economic benefits it derives from its mineral resources without undermining the investor confidence needed to sustain mining projects, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has said.
The government wants mining investment to deliver more jobs, skills development and opportunities for local businesses while maintaining the predictable conditions investors need to commit capital to the sector.
Speaking at the 2026 Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, the Minister said the government recognises the importance of regulatory certainty, fair administration and respect for lawful agreements as it pursues reforms in mineral governance.
He said investors needed commercially viable projects capable of delivering reasonable returns, adding that the government would continue engaging industry players to ensure mining operations remained bankable.
However, he argued that the commercial success of mining companies should go hand in hand with tangible benefits for the country and its citizens.
“Our citizens have equally legitimate expectations. They want jobs, skills, opportunities for local enterprise, protection of the environment and a fair share of the prosperity produced from their own resources,” he said.
The minister’s remarks place employment, local business participation and environmental protection alongside investor returns as priorities in the government’s approach to the mining industry.
For Ghana, the challenge is to attract and retain the capital needed to develop mineral resources while ensuring that mining activity creates opportunities beyond the companies extracting them.
Emmanuel Armah Buah urged investors to align their operations with the country’s development objectives, saying partnerships should recognise the interests of both businesses and the communities in which they operate.
He urged investors to pursue partnerships that are based on fair negotiations, respect for commitments and mutual benefits for businesses and host communities.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to engaging constructively with industry players, adding that the reforms were aimed at strengthening mineral governance and ensuring the sector contributes more meaningfully to national development.
