Why Kabilla wants government to give 35% of mineral revenues to landowners

Former Acting General Secretary of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), James Kwabena Bomfeh, popularly known as Kabilla, has called for landowners to receive a fair share of mineral resources extracted from their lands.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, September 8, 2025, he argued that the current distribution of mining revenues does not adequately benefit local communities whose lands hold the resources.

He stressed that this imbalance is one of the major drivers of illegal mining across the country.

According to Kabilla, a more equitable model would see the state keep 65 percent of the revenues while landowners are allocated 35 percent.

“If the government takes 65% and the owners of the land are given 35%, it will reduce the illegality and also enhance development,” he indicated.

He noted that such an arrangement would empower landowners to invest in their communities and create opportunities that discourage residents, especially the youth, from engaging in unregulated mining activities.

Kabilla further emphasised that the country cannot continue to treat landowners as spectators while their lands are depleted.

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He maintained that fairness and inclusivity in resource management are essential to building trust between government, mining companies, and host communities.

In his view, ensuring that host communities see tangible benefits is critical to tackling both underdevelopment and environmental degradation.

His comments come at a time when Ghana’s mining landscape is undergoing major changes.

The long-dormant Black Volta and Sankofa gold projects in the Upper West Region are set for revival after Engineers & Planners (E&P), one of West Africa’s largest indigenous mining contractors, acquired full equity in Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd and Upwest Resources Ghana Ltd.

The transaction, registered with the Minerals Commission, marks a dramatic shift in Ghana’s gold sector and raises fresh questions about how host communities will benefit from the renewed investments.

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MRA/VPO

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