Minerals Commission GHANA

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Minerals Commission GHANA Ghana’s Minerals Commission is a body established with a focused function of developing and coordi

Ghana Calls for Partnership of Sovereign Equals at Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint PetersburgEigh...
13/10/2026

Ghana Calls for Partnership of Sovereign Equals at Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint Petersburg

Eight of the top twenty gold producing countries globally are African nations and yet only about 2% of the continent’s natural resources are processed locally. This is why as the leading producer of Gold on the continent, Ghana has set new priorities for our natural resources: we will only prioritize partnerships that enable us add value to our raw materials, locally. This was the key message delivered at the Ministerial roundtable at the ongoing Second Russian-African Raw Materials Dialogue in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

The message was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, on behalf of the government of Ghana. The event, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the UNESCO International Competence Centre for Mining Engineering Education, and the Empress Catherine II Saint Petersburg Mining University, brings together international delegates, academic leaders and industry experts to strengthen cooperation in natural resource management, technological innovation and engineering education.

Representatives from over 40 African countries, including more than a hundred heads of agencies and organisations, and more than 500 participants are gathered in Saint Petersburg from the 12th to 16th of October 2026, to explore areas of mutual cooperation in the sustainable development and management of raw materials.

Speaking at the Ministerial Session, Mr. Tandoh, mentioned that Ghana is a sovereign and democratic nation with a clear pathway and framework for the future of it's minerals. He indicated that while Ghana is open to knowledge sharing and advanced technological transfer from Russia and other well-advanced nations, it should be genuine, structured and locally-embedded that leaves Ghanaian engineers and institutions with measurable new capabilities rather than serving as a one-way export of resources and expertise. "All future cooperations must move beyond simple raw material extraction toward a partnership of sovereign equals," he noted.

He also noted that Ghana is broadening its focus beyond traditional minerals to critical resources such as lithium, iron ore and bauxite, supported by state-backed development frameworks including GIISDEC and GIADEC. Mr. Tandoh pointed to Ghana’s modernised and robust regulatory environment, deployment of digital technology such as the Minerals Commission’s digital Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) and geofencing technology, indicating that Ghana is leading the charge to ensure that mineral rights acquisitions and operations adhere strictly to stipulated guidelines for the benefit of all stakeholders including the people of Ghana.

He concluded by calling for a formal, institutionalised Ghana-Russia Mining Cooperation Framework built on reciprocity rather than dependency. He observed that Russia’s import needs for critical minerals match Ghana’s resource offerings, and urged that partnerships be transformational and mutually beneficial, with all technical training and industrial cooperation delivered directly through Ghanaian institutions.

END.

Minerals Commission Suspends Goldcoast Limited's Offshore Reconnaissance Licences Pending Extensive Stakeholder Engageme...
08/10/2026

Minerals Commission Suspends Goldcoast Limited's Offshore Reconnaissance Licences Pending Extensive Stakeholder Engagement

Ghana’s mineral-rich landscape still holds enormous, untapped potential, with an estimated more than three trillion ounces of gold yet to be discovered — a resource base that makes responsible, transparent and inclusive mineral governance all the more important.

Article 257(6) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, further reiterated in section 1 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), vests all minerals in their natural state, under or upon any land in Ghana, rivers, streams, water courses throughout Ghana, the exclusive economic zone and any area covered by the territorial sea or continental, in the President, in trust for the people of Ghana, while Article 269 provides constitutional safeguards over mineral rights and agreements.

Upon recommendation by the Minerals Commission, the sector Minister may grant a reconnaissance licence in respect of all or a part of the area applied for, as stipulated in section 31(1) of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703). It is within this legal framework that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah authorised reconnaissance activities within Ghana’s territorial waters to explore and provide verifiable resource estimation data within those jurisdictions. Consequently, reconnaissance licences were granted to Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited on 9 February 2026, pending the Company’s fulfilment of all other mandatory and statutory approvals before commencing any exploration activities. The licences, cover an area within Ghana’s territorial waters near Atwiwa, in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region.

However, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission have since received representations from key stakeholders, including civil society organisations and other concerned parties, raising concerns and objections regarding the grant of the mineral rights and the activities proposed under the licences. These concerns relate primarily to the potential environmental and ecological impacts of the proposed operations and the adequacy of consultations with persons and groups likely to be affected.

To ensure extensive engagement with all stakeholders and to resolve all outstanding matters, including stakeholder alignment, the Minister has instructed that the licences be suspended. The Minerals Commission has accordingly directed Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited to suspend all activities under the licences with immediate effect until all the necessary consultations have been duly conducted, and all stakeholders aligned.

The Minerals Commission categorically clarifies that the ministerial directive is not a cancellation, revocation or termination of the licences. The licences remain in force, subject to their terms and the applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The directive relates solely to the suspension of operational activities pending the completion of all stakeholder engagements required by the applicable legislation.

During this period, Goldcoast GRC Ghana Limited is required to cooperate fully with the Commission, the relevant State institutions and all affected stakeholders. This temporary halt of the license is necessary so that regulatory, environmental, ecological and social issues can be fully considered and addressed before any operations proceed.

In appreciation of the continued vigilance of stakeholders in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources for present and future generations, the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reaffirms their commitment to meaningful consultation that ultimately aid in responsible mineral governance and environmental protection.

Mine for the signs early. Know your normal, detect changes, and protect your most precious asset, your health.
07/10/2026

Mine for the signs early. Know your normal, detect changes, and protect your most precious asset, your health.

Minerals Commission and UMaT Deepen Collaboration to Advance Sustainable Mining and ResearchThe Minerals Commission has ...
07/10/2026

Minerals Commission and UMaT Deepen Collaboration to Advance Sustainable Mining and Research

The Minerals Commission has held discussions with a delegation from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Kumi-Boateng, aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and the mining industry to support the sustainable development of Ghana’s mineral resources.

The visit, which also formally introduced Professor Kumi-Boateng to the Commission following his assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor, provided an opportunity for both institutions to explore areas of mutual interest, including research, capacity building, responsible small-scale mining, environmental sustainability and the development of skilled professionals for the mining sector.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Andrews Tandoh, underscored the important role of academia in developing solutions to challenges confronting the mining industry. He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Commission and UMaT and called for stronger collaboration to bridge the gap between academic training and practical industry experience.

Mr. Tandoh noted that closer collaboration between the Minerals Commission and the University could help translate academic research into practical solutions for the sector. He further expressed the Commission’s readiness to support relevant research initiatives by the University, noting that regulatory and institutional backing could strengthen the case for Government support and funding for research that responds directly to national priorities.

“This should not be a one-time engagement. Let us work together, identify our common priorities and determine how both institutions advance the development of Ghana’s mining sector,” he emphasised.

Professor Kumi-Boateng expressed appreciation to the CEO and Management of the Commission for receiving the delegation and outlined a number of proposals through which UMaT could support ongoing reforms within the mining sector. Key among them was the deployment of suitably trained UMaT graduates and Minerals Commission licensed professionals to support responsible small-scale mining and the national fight against illegal mining.

He proposed the development of a framework under which small-scale mining operations would be required to engage appropriately-trained personnel as part of the licensing or licence-renewal process. According to him, introducing greater technical expertise into the small-scale mining sector could improve operational standards, promote environmentally responsible mining, create employment opportunities for graduates and contribute to reducing destructive mining practices.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted UMaT’s plans to broaden access to mining education through programmes such as a mandatory Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Mining for all UMaT students. He further called for a collaboration to support non-technical mining professionals witg professional certifications to boost their career trajectories. Again, Prof. Kumi-Boateng proposed collaboration with the Minerals Commission on research and technical assignments in focal areas such as environmental and operational impact assessments, resettlement planning, among others.

Mr. Tandoh welcomed the proposals, particularly the introduction of professional certification and trained personnel into small-scale mining operations. He noted that establishing clear professional standards would strengthen accountability within the sector and ensure that individuals responsible for mining operations could be held accountable for breaches of mining and environmental requirements.

The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Dr. Yusif Sulemana, who was present at the meeting, urged both institutions to translate the discussions into concrete action. He pledged the Ministry’s support in working with the Minerals Commission and the University of Mines and Technology to ensure that the proposals move beyond dialogue to practical implementation.

The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the Minerals Commission to strengthening partnerships with academia and other stakeholders to promote responsible mining, research and innovation, skills development and sustainable utilisation of Ghana’s mineral resources for national development.

End.

Minerals Commission Engages Local Contract Miners to Safeguard Ghanaian Jobs and Workers’ WelfareThe Chief Executive Off...
06/10/2026

Minerals Commission Engages Local Contract Miners to Safeguard Ghanaian Jobs and Workers’ Welfare

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, has met with yet another batch of local contract miners to address concerns raised by the Mine Workers Union over the transition from owner mining to contract mining.

Mr. Tandoh said the Minerals Commission empathises with the Union’s position on unfair wages, and as the industry regulator, remains committed to ensuring the full participation of Ghanaian workers in the mining sector. He urged the contract miners to constitute a team to develop a fair and transparent framework favourable to contract workers. “We need to build a firm but workable baseline for remunerations. Workers cannot be made worse off in their conditions of service when employed by local contractors" he stated.

He also warned against price undercutting, urging contractors to price appropriately or risk government intervention. He added that government would take punitive action to enforce workers’ welfare, citing complaints that some contractors have failed to pay provident fund contributions, bonuses, SSNIT contributions and other statutory obligations.

Noting that mining lease holders already have their own Chamber, Mr. Tandoh advised contract miners to formalise their group. The broader objective, he said, is to build the capacity of local companies to take over large-scale mining operations. He encouraged contractors to form joint ventures and alliances to bid for contracts and pursue responsible mining. “We want to see collaboration, realistic rates and numbers, and motivation for Ghanaian workers without them being short-changed,” he said

''Remuneration in our industry Ghana is not standardised'', Mr. Tandoh observed, ''and the Commission wants to help resolve this''. He advised contractors to engage professionals and consultants to get it right the first time and stressed the need for sound corporate governance and localisation. He proposed that associations and alliances with other qualified professionals - including human resource practitioners, lawyers, mining engineers and other experts - to lead negotiations on behalf of the contract mining workforce. A chamber for contract miners, together with institutional partnerships, would give the sector stronger bargaining power and a collective voice.

On the impact of import tariffs and other taxes on mining equipment, Mr. Tandoh disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield positive results for the mining sector and for Ghanaian workers.

Ends.

05/10/2026

Know your body. Know the right time to check

Know your body. Know the right time to check. Regular breast prospecting can help you discover irregularities early. Tak...
05/10/2026

Know your body. Know the right time to check.
Regular breast prospecting can help you discover irregularities early. Take a moment each month to mapping your breast.

30/09/2026

A NEW CHAPTER - A NEW LOOK

U.S. Treasury Delegation Engages Minerals Commission to Strengthen Strategic Mining PartnershipThe Chief Executive Offic...
29/09/2026

U.S. Treasury Delegation Engages Minerals Commission to Strengthen Strategic Mining Partnership

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, hosted a high-level delegation from the United States Department of the Treasury as part of efforts to advance bilateral economic cooperation and explore strategic alignment within Ghana's mining sector.

The U.S. delegation, led by Mr. Alex Leipziger, Director of the Office of Africa, made the visit as part of the U.S. government's broader efforts to deepen economic ties with key regulatory institutions across the continent. The engagement gave both parties a platform to discuss developments in Ghana's mining industry, regulatory and governance frameworks, and broader macroeconomic trends.
During the meeting, Mr. Leipziger commended the Minerals Commission for its proactive leadership in implementing policy and regulatory reforms across the mining sector. He reiterated the U.S. Treasury's commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships, exploring areas of technical cooperation, and facilitating access to capital mechanisms that support deeper economic collaboration between the United States and Ghana.

In his remarks, Mr. Tandoh highlighted the Minerals Commission's mandate as the statutory body responsible for regulating and promoting the sustainable development of Ghana's mineral resources. He emphasized that continued high-level engagement on investment frameworks, responsible sourcing, policy harmonisation, and sustainable growth remains essential to maximising value along the entire mining value chain.
Mr. Tandoh also explained the new regulatory reforms in the mining industry, including the tracking of all excavators and earth-moving equipment. He took the delegation to see, in real time, the 24-hour tracking control room at the Minerals Commission, where these machines are being tracked. He indicated that, so far, 5,733 machines have been registered, with 2,058 being tracked from the control room.

The discussions underscored the strategic importance of Ghana's mineral resources to national economic development and reflected continued international confidence in the country's regulatory stability, resource governance framework, and investment climate.

End.

Address

Minerals House #12 Switchback Road Residential Area Cantonment/Accra GL/060/1131
Accra
233

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+233302771318

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