A new report presented by David Asare, Senior Research Associate at the IMANI Center for Policy & Education, has identified a paradox in Ghana’s mining industry.
While some mining companies are technologically planning to transition to slash their carbon emissions, they are being held back by governance challenges and a lack of cohesive national policy. The findings were unveiled at a presentation themed ‘Enhancing Governance and Accountability for Climate Adaptation and Energy Transition in Ghana’s Mining Industry,’ held in Accra on November 26, 2025.
According to the research lead, David Asare, without urgent policy reforms and strategic incentives, Ghana risks missing out on leveraging its mining sector to meet its national climate goals.
“The momentum for a greener mining sector exists within the boardrooms of these companies,” Asare said.
He added that, “the choice for Ghana is clear, we can either lead in the new era of sustainable mining or be left behind, burdened by outdated systems and missed opportunities.”
The report establishes why the mining sector is indispensable to Ghana’s energy transition. The large-scale mining sector is a massive energy consumer, using an average of 17% of the nation’s total diesel consumption and about 7% of its electricity. This energy intensity translates directly into greenhouse gas emissions, making the sector a prime target for decarbonization efforts.
Mining giants like AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) and Gold Fields Ghana Limited have developed multi-staged energy transition roadmaps.
AngloGold Ashanti is implementing interventions ranging from constructing a 110 MW solar farm to switching to electric underground trains and compressors. Their current projects are set to deliver nearly 50% of their 2030 emissions reduction target.
Gold Fields reported that its ongoing clean energy initiatives have already reduced emissions by 19% against a 2016 baseline, putting it well on track to meet its 30% reduction goal by 2030.
However, the IMANI report found that these corporate plans are largely “externally driven” by global headquarters and shareholder pressure, with “less influence from the national transition plan.” This indicates a weak integration of national climate strategies into the operations of one of the country’s most vital industries.
The research identified several governance bottlenecks that are stifling progress:
- Weak and Insufficient Incentive Structures: Mining companies cited a glaring lack of financial and regulatory incentives to justify the massive capital expenditures required for clean energy infrastructure. Without tax breaks, rebates, or other government-backed support, the business case for rapid decarbonization becomes harder to make.
- Policy Inconsistencies and Regulatory Hurdles: Companies pointed to specific policy failures, such as the delayed implementation of the net metering scheme, which would allow them to sell excess solar power back to the grid. There are also concerns that upcoming reforms to the mining laws could inadvertently create new barriers rather than facilitate the energy transition.
- Infrastructure Deficits: Major decarbonization projects, such as transitioning to electric haulage trucks or installing large-scale solar farms, are hampered by Ghana’s weak energy transmission infrastructure and lack of supporting logistics.
- Lack of Strategic Partnerships: The report calls for more active collaboration between the government, mining companies, and power utilities to create a cohesive ecosystem for clean energy adoption.
The report concludes that high corporate readiness is being squandered by a low-policy follow-through. To bridge this gap, IMANI recommends:
· Developing a Clear Incentive Framework: The government must create tangible financial and regulatory incentives to accelerate private investment in mining decarbonization.
· Strengthening Policy Coordination: There is an urgent need to align national energy transition plans with the practical realities and plans of the mining sector, ensuring policies like net metering are fully operationalized.
· Investing in Enabling Infrastructure: Public and private partnerships are crucial to build the grid and logistical infrastructure needed to support large-scale clean energy projects in mining regions.
