Stakeholders in Ghana’s mining sector have called for a strategic shift from dependence on mineral royalties to building sustainable local industries around mining operations, as part of efforts to ensure long‑term economic transformation in mining communities.
The call was made at the maiden Mining for Development Forum (MDF), jointly organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Newmont Ghana, and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) in Goaso, Ahafo Region.
Held under the theme “Beyond Royalties: How Mining Communities Can Build Local Industries Around the Mine,” the Forum brought together government officials, traditional authorities, mining companies, academia, civil society organisations, financial institutions, and local businesses to explore inclusive, mining‑led development strategies.
Opening the Forum, Chief Operating Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, observed that while mining remained a major pillar of Ghana’s economy, its full development impact at the community level has not always been realised.
“Royalties alone cannot transform communities,” he said, stressing the need for deliberate investment in enterprise development, job creation, and value addition along mining supply chains.
Mr. Nantogmah highlighted opportunities in sectors such as transport, logistics, catering, fabrication, and agribusiness, noting that many remain underdeveloped due to challenges including limited access to finance, information gaps, and weak stakeholder coordination.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, disclosed that Ghana’s mining sector generated more than US$51 billion in mineral revenues between 2014 and 2024, with over 70 percent retained within the country.
Despite these figures, he noted that royalty inflows alone had not translated into sustained and inclusive growth in mining communities.
He, therefore, called for a strategic pivot towards leveraging opportunities within the mining value chain.
Dr. Ashigbey cited examples such as activated carbon production, which could be developed locally using agricultural by‑products like coconut shells and palm kernel shells. According to him, capturing even a portion of the mining sector’s procurement expenditure could significantly transform local economies.
The Vice‑Chancellor of UENR, Professor Elvis Asare‑Bediako, described the Forum as timely and necessary, providing a critical platform for dialogue on how mineral resources can drive sustainable development.
He advocated for strategic investment of mineral wealth into sectors such as tourism to promote cultural preservation, while emphasising education and healthcare as foundations for long‑term development.
The Vice‑Chancellor also reaffirmed UENR’s readiness to collaborate with the Ghana Chamber of Mines and local communities on literacy, numeracy, and skills training programmes to build local capacity.
The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, reaffirmed government’s commitment to inclusive growth and industrialisation.
While acknowledging the mining sector’s contributions to employment, infrastructure, and public revenue, she cautioned that without intentional planning, mining communities could become economically vulnerable after mine closure.
She highlighted government initiatives such as the National Apprenticeship Programme and SME support schemes, urging stakeholders to position communities to benefit across the entire mining value chain, including sectors capable of outlasting mining activities such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.
The Regional Minister further underscored critical infrastructure needs in the region, including the completion of a Regional Hospital, development of agro‑processing facilities, and investment in waste management systems to address increasing urban pressures linked to mining operations.
Representing Newmont Ghana, General Manager of the Ahafo South Mine, Ing. Alex Kofi Annin, outlined the company’s efforts to strengthen local capacity through programmes such as the Ahafo Linkages Program, implemented in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
He disclosed that the programme had helped develop local enterprises, some of which have expanded into national contractors delivering projects beyond the mining sector.
According to him, Newmont currently works with more than 1,000 community‑based businesses, generating significant employment and economic opportunities.
The Omanhene of Ntotroso and President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III, commended the Ghana Chamber of Mines for organising the Forum and urged stronger advocacy on the issue of illegal mining, which continues to pose environmental and social challenges to mining communities.
Way forward
Across the Forum, participants emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between traditional authorities, local government, industry, financial institutions, and academia to unlock the full development potential of mining.
Key priorities identified included improving access to finance, strengthening local enterprise capacity, investing in skills development, enhancing institutional coordination, and synergising local capabilities to build sustainable growth poles.
The Forum concluded with a strong call for a paradigm shift—from reliance on mineral royalties to the development of resilient, diversified local economies anchored on mining. Stakeholders were urged to work collectively to ensure mining communities evolve into hubs of enterprise, innovation, and long‑term economic transformation.
Source: businesspostonline
