Govt Urges Mining Stakeholders To Put Host Communities First For Real Benefits

The Government is calling on players in Ghana’s mining industry to shift focus and ensure that mining operations translate into direct and lasting benefits for host communities.

The appeal was made at the 2026 National Mining Stakeholders’ Conference in Accra, held under the theme “Rethinking the Social Licence to Operate.”

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Deputy Minister Hon. Dr Yusif Sulemana said too much attention has gone to production figures, investment, government revenue and exports, while the needs of mining communities are often left behind.

*“Local Content Must Mean More”*

Hon. Sulemana stressed that local content should not be limited to how many Ghanaians are employed by mining firms.

“Ghanaian businesses must also be given real opportunities to supply goods and services, access technology, build skills, and compete for major contracts in the sector,” he said.

He pointed to steps already being taken by the Minerals Commission, including the Mining Local Content and Local Procurement Policy Framework and the Annual Local Content Summit, as key tools to boost Ghanaian participation and keep more value from mineral resources within the country.

According to the Deputy Minister, the goal is clear: more of the economic value from mining should stay in Ghana and directly improve the lives of local businesses and communities.

*Stronger Ties With Communities*

Hon. Sulemana also called for deeper collaboration between mining companies, host communities, government agencies and other stakeholders.

He described the company-community relationship as a “dynamic compact” that must be built on continuous dialogue, accountability and commitments that can be measured.

To enforce this, he said government will tighten regulation. Major mining operations will now be required to have Community Engagement and Social Impact Assessment Plans, while Development Agreements will be used to set clear, binding expectations between companies and communities.

*From Talk To Action*

The Deputy Minister urged stakeholders to move past speeches and conference resolutions.