Minerals Commission Engages Parliament Select Committee on Mining Policy and Legal Review

The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi, led members of the Policy and Legal Review Committee in a strategic engagement with the Parliamentary Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources.

The meeting, held at Safari Valley Resort, forms part of a series of consultative sessions between the Committee and agencies under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

Mr. Ayisi presented the proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), with particular emphasis on provisions affected by the recently passed Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140). He outlined the implications of the new legislation on the operational framework of the Minerals Commission.

Following the CEO’s presentation, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, Chairman of the Review Committee and former CEO of the Commission, provided an in-depth overview of the revised draft of the Minerals and Mining Policy.

Mr. Aryee introduced the concept of Cooperative Mining, a new government initiative aimed at formalizing and supporting sustainable small-scale mining practices. This model enables licensed community members—endorsed by traditional authorities—to operate within a structured and legitimate mining framework.

Members of the Select Committee welcomed the initiative and recommended stronger collaboration with traditional authorities during the mining licensing process. They emphasized that such engagement is critical to ensuring peaceful coexistence and cooperation between mining companies and host communities.

Chairman of the Select Committee, Hon. Alhaji Collins Dauda, commended the Minerals Commission for its proactive engagement and leadership.

He urged the Review Committee to formulate policies that mandate large-scale mining companies to release underutilized concessions for small-scale operations. Hon. Dauda stressed the importance of ensuring that Ghana’s mineral wealth benefits all citizens, particularly those in mining communities.

The Committee also called for enhanced support to Ghanaian entrepreneurs providing mining-related services. Members advocated for enabling policies to empower local contractors to undertake larger projects within the mining sector, beyond minor service contracts.

During the briefing, updates were shared on the status of the Damang Mine (Abosso Goldfields Limited – AGL). It was revealed that the mine’s lease had been extended for one year under a joint transitional management plan, comprising both government representatives and the mine’s current management.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Dauda reaffirmed the Select Committee’s commitment to facilitating the timely passage of the proposed legal amendments. He charged the Commission to ensure that policies serve both the interests of ordinary citizens and investors.

Mr. Ayisi, in response, assured the Committee of the Commission’s dedication to ongoing collaboration and the effective fulfillment of its regulatory mandate.

Also in attendance were:

• Professor Jerry Samuel Yaw Kuma, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources

• Ms. Ama Mawusi Mawuenyefia, Communications Director, MLNR

• Mr. Josef Iroko, Legal Manager, Minerals Commission

• Dr. Ahmed Tijani, Head of Corporate Affairs and Information Technology, Minerals Commission