Mining Reforms Must Protect Jobs, Investment and Community Interests — Ghana Chamber of Mines

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has urged for ongoing deliberations and thorough examination of the economic impacts of ongoing mining sector reforms, emphasizing the need to protect employment, investment, and the industry's competitive edge. Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, the Chamber's Chief Operating Officer, highlighted recent worker and community concerns, underscoring the significance of consultation and a balanced approach to mining policies and regulations.

These concerns arose following protests at Akyem Abirem over a directive to shift certain mining operations from owner to contract mining, raising fears about job security, wages, benefits, and current employment conditions. Nantogmah acknowledged the government's dedication to increasing local participation in mining, a goal the Chamber supports.

He stated that increasing local participation is a shared objective, but the approach must safeguard existing jobs, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain the industry's competitiveness to attract investment and generate new opportunities. He highlighted the necessity of meaningful consultation among regulators, mining companies, employees, and other stakeholders when making substantial changes to established mining operations.

Addressing the renewal of Gold Fields Ghana's Tarkwa mining leases, Nantogmah recognized community expectations for tangible benefits, while also noting investors' demand for fair and consistent treatment. He stressed the importance of constructive engagement with traditional authorities and other stakeholders, ensuring decisions on mineral rights are made through transparent, predictable, and lawful procedures.

Nantogmah also addressed recent regulatory actions involving Adamus Resources and Northern Ashanti Mines, stressing the need for continued dialogue and adherence to mining laws. He praised the industry's ability to sustain production and attract investment, as evidenced by recent financial results from Galiano Gold and AngloGold Ashanti.

He stressed that achieving this potential requires a stable environment, access to capital, and a competitive regulatory framework. "Our shared goal should be to create mining policies that guarantee fair revenues for the State, enhance opportunities for local businesses, protect jobs, and provide lasting benefits to communities, while attracting the investments required for sustained mineral production," he concluded.

Nantogmah reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to collaborate with government, regulators, organized labor, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders to bolster Ghana's standing as a responsible and competitive mining investment destination.