Ghana must legislate minimum community development obligations for mining companies – Mireku Duker

Former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, has urged Ghanaian authorities to legislate minimum community development obligations for mining companies operating in the country. Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026, Mr Duker argued that leaving such responsibilities to voluntary corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives has not been effective.

He emphasized that a clear legal framework is required to define the minimum development duties of mining companies towards their host communities. Mr Duker suggested that this could be achieved through Community Development Agreements (CDAs), which would outline the specific responsibilities of mining companies. He pointed to Sierra Leone's Mining and Minerals Development Act 2022 as an example, where companies are legally required to secure a community development agreement before commencing operations.

Mr Duker stressed that community development must be treated as a legally enforceable obligation, not merely an act of goodwill. He also called for greater transparency in the management of mining revenues, particularly royalties, advocating for the use of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) to ensure these funds are utilized as intended by communities.

Mr Duker urged stakeholders to include these issues in the expected communiqué from the National Mining Dialogue, with the aim of transforming mining into a genuine driver of local development and social inclusion.