Ghana’s Mining Policy: From Mineral Wealth to Sustainable Development By Maxwell Okofo Dartey, Sunyani,Ghana.
By Maxwell Okofo Dartey · 24 September 2026 · Power & Energy
Ghana’s Mining Policy: From Mineral Wealth to Sustainable Development By Maxwell Okofo Dartey, Sunyani,Ghana. Ghana’s mining sector remains vital to the national economy, but the country must ensure that mineral wealth produces lasting development. The ongoing review of the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), provides an opportunity to strengthen regulation and promote responsible mining. Mining policy should focus on value addition, local participation, environmental protection and community development. Ghanaian businesses must be supported to supply equipment, engineering, transport and other services to the industry, ensuring that mining creates jobs and strengthens local enterprises. Illegal mining, or galamsey, continues to threaten forests, farmlands and water bodies. Combating it requires firm enforcement, transparent licensing, responsible small-scale mining and alternative livelihoods for affected communities. Environmental protection must be central to every mining project. Companies should plan for land reclamation, water protection and community livelihoods even after mines close. Host communities must also receive fair compensation, meaningful participation and lasting development benefits. Ghana should further pursue mineral processing and refining where economically feasible, rather than exporting raw minerals. This will help retain more value, create industries and support economic diversification. A successful mining policy must balance investment with national interest. Ghana’s mineral resources should build stronger institutions, skilled citizens, thriving businesses, protected ecosystems and a more diversified economy for present and future generations.