The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Armah Kofi Buah, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent and investor-friendly mining sector, while clarifying that Ghana has no policy of blanket nationalisation of mining assets.
Speaking at a media engagement after meeeting with the Ghana Chamber of Mines , the Minister indicated that government decisions in the extractive sector will continue to be handled on a case-by-case basis, guided by law, regulatory frameworks and the overarching objective of protecting national interest.
“The Government of Ghana is committed to a mining industry that continues to attract investments — one that is predictable, transparent and rules-based,” Mr. Buah stated.
“We have not fashioned out any blanket policy of nationalising assets. Every issue is handled on its own merits.”
Mr. Buah emphasised that Ghana remains open to investors who adopt a “win-win” approach, ensuring both profitability and meaningful contributions to the local economy.
According to him, government policy is anchored on supporting sustainable returns for investors, promoting technology transfer and expertise development, enhancing Ghanaian participation and capacity-building and ensuring mining communities benefit directly from resource extraction
“Our goal is to grow Ghanaian capacity while partnering with investors who understand that beyond profits, they have a responsibility to add value to our industry,” he noted.
Providing an update on the Adamus Resources matter, the Minister confirmed that government has received a petition regarding the case and has initiated formal review processes.
“We have set up a committee that is currently working on the matter. Their findings will guide the next steps,” he disclosed.
He added that authorities are collaborating closely with regulators to ensure fairness and due process, strict adherence to mining laws and ppropriate sanctions where breaches are established.
“This is an industry that is heavily regulated. If any operator is found to have violated regulations, sanctions will be applied fairly and in line with the law,” he stressed.
Damang (Dhammayi) Agreement Heads to Parliament
On the issue of the Damang mine agreement, Mr. Buah revealed that government is preparing to submit the agreement — along with several others — to Parliament for ratification.
“We are very shortly going to Parliament with a number of outstanding ratifications, including Damang,” he confirmed.
He disclosed that engagement with parliamentary leadership is already underway to facilitate the process.
The Minister further justified government’s decision to allow certain mining operations to continue pending ratification processes, citing the economic importance of such mines.
“We could not allow a mine to shut down with thousands of jobs at stake and communities whose livelihoods depend on it,” he explained.
He added that under existing legal frameworks, the Minerals Commission has the authority to ensure continued operations in the national interest, even as formal approvals are processed.
Mr. Buah also hinted at broader reforms within the mining sector, noting that a comprehensive policy review is underway.
“We are still in the early stages of developing a major policy framework that will shape the future of the industry,” he said.
While details remain limited, the policy is expected to address regulatory efficiency, investor accountability, enhanced local content requirements and ustainable mining practices.
The Minister’s remarks signal government’s intent to strike a delicate balance between attracting foreign investment, safeguarding national resources and mpowering local stakeholders.
Source: businesspostonline
