Mining must improve lives in host communities, not just national figures – Presidency

The Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has cautioned mining companies that the economic gains recorded at the national level do not guarantee improved living conditions for communities where they operate. Speaking at the National Mining Dialogue, Muslim emphasized that the success of mining should be measured not just by national production figures, but also by tangible improvements in the lives of people living near the mines.

She highlighted the need for mining firms to demonstrate progress in areas such as employment, local procurement, skills development, knowledge transfer, and Ghanaian participation. Muslim stressed that community acceptance of mining is not a one-time assurance, but must be earned and maintained through consistent improvement in the daily lives of those affected by mining operations.

She criticized mining companies for making donations that do not address issues like local procurement and urged for more meaningful engagement with local businesses. Muslim also called for increased opportunities for Ghanaian companies to participate in mining-related procurement, emphasizing that this could lead to job creation and expertise development.

She stressed the importance of transparency in fulfilling commitments made to mining communities and the need for mining companies to show concrete progress in employment, training, and knowledge transfer. Muslim argued that meaningful local content policies lead to community prosperity and sustainable mining operations.