The Government of Ghana is set to implement stricter measures in evaluating mining companies before renewing their operating leases, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has announced.
During a working visit to mining sites in Tarkwa, the Minister said lease extensions will now be tied to a comprehensive assessment of each company’s social, financial, and environmental performance.
He emphasized that mining companies must prove their value not just to shareholders, but to host communities and the nation at large.
“Contracts will be extended based on the records and commitments that the mining companies have made technically and financially,” Mr. Buah said.
“We will assess how they have invested, how they’ve behaved as corporate citizens, not only in terms of benefiting their host communities, but also the country as a whole,” he added.
This move is part of broader government efforts to ensure that Ghana’s natural resources are managed sustainably and that mining contributes equitably to national development.
The Minister explained that key indicators under review will include companies’ community engagement efforts, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and tax compliance.
“We are looking at all these things, whether taxes have been paid, whether the community has benefitted, and whether the country is seeing value,” he noted.
