Malawi delegation studies Ghana’s mining reforms and responsible gold governance

Malawi is exploring Ghana’s experiences in gold production and mining sector reforms to bolster its own mineral governance, with a particular emphasis on responsible sourcing, artisanal mining, and financing for mineral-related businesses. The delegation, spearheaded by Malawi’s Minister of Mining, Thoko Tembo, met with Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, as part of a learning mission backed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The mission aimed to study Ghana’s mining governance framework and ongoing initiatives to enhance gold purchasing, traceability, production accounting, and mineral revenue management. Buah highlighted Ghana’s extensive mining history as a valuable source of knowledge for other nations, while stressing that the country was also committed to refining its policies and regulatory frameworks.

He elaborated on the reforms intended to bolster accountability, safeguard the environment, and empower mining communities to reap greater benefits from the resources extracted from their lands. The Ministry of Lands outlined proposed amendments to the mining licensing system, which include more precise timelines and performance metrics for companies holding mining rights.

Additionally, the proposal to engage district-level mining committees in reviewing mining concession applications before granting licences was emphasized, with the aim of enhancing oversight and refining the assessment of mining projects before regulatory approval. The Minerals Commission’s CEO, Isaac Tandoh, presented Ghana’s mining governance framework to the delegation, addressing queries about domestic gold purchasing, the formalization of mineral markets, and efforts to fortify responsible sourcing systems.

Tembo expressed appreciation for the chance to glean insights from Ghana’s experiences, particularly concerning the challenges encountered while developing and regulating the mining industry. The discussions encompassed artisanal and small-scale mining and access to financing for enterprises operating within the minerals sector.

The delegation also comprised representatives from Malawi’s banking sector and the artisanal and small-scale mining industry, underscoring a keen interest in both regulatory strategies and the financial systems essential for advancing mineral-sector development. The exchange provided an opportunity for both nations to share viewpoints on mining regulation, domestic mineral markets, and responsible sourcing.

For Ghana, the dialogue coincides with ongoing reforms to enhance accountability in gold procurement and bolster oversight of mining operations. For Malawi, the visit presents an opportunity to scrutinize Ghana’s policy strategies and determine which lessons could inform the evolution of its own mining industry.