Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has called on large-scale mining companies to move beyond resource extraction and actively support Ghanaian enterprises across the minerals value chain.
Speaking at the Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra, the Deputy Minister said the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s mining sector rests on local empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity.
He stressed that mentoring indigenous enterprises would not only drive economic growth but also facilitate skills transfer and ensure that host communities benefit from the nation’s mineral wealth.
“The future we are building requires strong partnerships. This convention provides a platform to share ideas, debate solutions, and forge collaborations that will shape Ghana’s mining story for generations to come,” he said.
Alhaji Sulemana highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation, pointing to the introduction of technology for equipment tracking, mineral traceability, and monitoring as key steps toward transparency and efficiency in the sector.
He urged large-scale mining companies to invest in downstream projects, mentor small businesses within the value chain, and go beyond their environmental and social obligations.
“To our small-scale miners, government is your partner,” he added, assuring them of continued support.
The Deputy Minister also noted that fintech-enabled digital platforms would enhance transparency and build investor confidence, while strengthening the role of small-scale miners as partners in national development rather than adversaries.
The Mining and Minerals Convention brought together industry leaders, academics, civil society, and innovators, serving as a collaborative platform to share ideas and chart a sustainable future for Ghana’s mining industry.