Social licence to mine can be withdrawn – Ga Mantse warns mining companies

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has cautioned mining firms that they risk losing their social license to operate in host communities if they fail to conduct themselves responsibly. The social license, he explained, is not a legal document granted by authorities, but rather an ongoing approval from traditional leaders and the communities affected by mining.

Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 in Accra, the King emphasized that chiefs, queen mothers, farmers, and other locals hold significant sway in determining whether mining operations continue to enjoy the trust and support of the host communities. The warning is crucial, he said, because mining involves a generational inheritance that extends beyond mere commercial gain.

Land, for the Ga Mantse, is an inheritance, a source of sustenance, livelihood, and the foundation upon which generations have built their lives. As stewards of the land, traditional authorities must ensure that decisions about mining take into account the interests of both present and future generations. He stressed that while mining companies may eventually cease their operations, the land and its inhabitants will remain and require reclamation.

He called for a greater commitment to reclaiming mined lands and adopting responsible mining practices. The King acknowledged that responsibly managed mining can bring substantial benefits to communities, including infrastructure, educational facilities, healthcare, and clean water. However, these advantages must be coupled with meaningful local participation.

He urged large-scale mining companies to hire, train, and source from local Ghanaians, ensuring that corporate social responsibility becomes a sustained commitment rather than a superficial gesture. The King stressed that the involvement of regulators, small-scale miners, gold buyers, and traditional authorities in discussions about mining is crucial in finding a sustainable balance between mining activities and the interests of host communities.

He urged all stakeholders to remember that granting access to mineral resources comes with the responsibility of protecting the land and ensuring that its benefits extend beyond the current generation.