Mining reforms will protect investors, benefit Ghanaians – Armah-Kofi Buah

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has assured mining investors of clear regulations, fair administration and a stable investment environment as Ghana undertakes reforms to ensure citizens receive a fairer share of the wealth generated from the country’s mineral resources.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to respecting lawful agreements and maintaining open engagement with investors throughout the reform process.

Speaking at the 2026 Mining in Motion Conference on Monday, October 19, Mr Buah acknowledged that investors need regulatory certainty and commercially viable projects to justify their investments.

He assured industry players that the government would continue working with them to ensure mining projects remain financially viable and deliver reasonable returns.

While highlighting the importance of investor confidence, Mr Buah stressed that the success of Ghana’s mining sector must also be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens.

He identified job creation, skills development, opportunities for local businesses and environmental protection as essential outcomes of mining activities.

“Our citizens have equally legitimate expectations. They want jobs, skills, opportunities for local enterprise, protection of the environment and a fair share of the prosperity produced from their own resources,” he said.

The Minister’s remarks reflect the government’s stated objective of ensuring that mineral wealth generates broader economic and social benefits for Ghanaians, beyond returns to investors and revenue to the state.

Mr Buah called on mining investors to align their operations with Ghana’s development objectives, stressing that partnerships should benefit both businesses and the communities whose natural resources sustain their operations.

He said the government remained open to investment and collaboration, while emphasising the need for fair negotiations and respect for commitments made between the state and investors.

“The invitation is straightforward. Come and invest. Come and build with us. Let us negotiate fairly, honour our commitments and work for outcomes that benefit both the investor and the host countries,” he said.

His appeal highlights the importance of cooperation between government and industry in building a mining sector that supports commercial viability while creating opportunities for host communities.

Mr Buah reiterated the government’s commitment to constructive engagement with investors, explaining that the ongoing reforms are intended to strengthen mineral governance and increase the sector’s contribution to national development.

The government’s approach seeks to maintain a predictable environment for investment while addressing expectations around local employment, business participation, environmental sustainability and the distribution of benefits from mineral resources.

The impact of the reforms will depend on how effectively regulations are implemented and how successfully mining activities translate into lasting economic opportunities for Ghana and its mining communities.