Contract mining train has left station - Lands Minister tells stakeholders

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, has told stakeholders in the mining industry that government's proposed contract mining policy, would form an integral part of the country's mining development.

"The train of contract mining has left the station already. No turning back" he remarked

Addressing members of the Ghana Chamber of Mines at this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the umbrella organisation of miners, on Friday 5th June 2026, the Minister responded swiftly to an uncompromising position declared by Deputy Secretary General of Ghana Mine Workers Union.

The union leader had indicated that they would vehemently kick against any move by government to rationalise introduction of contract mining.

A policy being considered by government to reposition the country's mining industry.

Consequently, he has advised stakeholders in the mining industry to focus their attention on working with government to roll out the policy.

The contract mining policy, is considered critical to reshape the mining industry, ostensibly to enhance job creation, according to the Minister

The policy would expand activities, guarantee Ghanaian miners with the speed of trajectory growth as being targeted by government.

Instead of attacking the policy and clandestinely working to undermine government's efforts, he said all industry players, including Mine Workers Union, who are kicking against it, must cooperate with government to address potential challenges that might come up with the introduction of the contract mining policy.

The call made by the Minister, follows the decision by government to introduce domestic policies aimed at mitigating global shocks that intermittently occurs to disturb the local economy as a result of geoglobal politics and apparent withdrawal of international support to critical sectors of our national budget.

In line with this, he said government wants fiscal reexamination of Ghana’s economy with implementation of practical measures, and maximisation of domestic revenue mobilisation through the country's natural resources including gold mining.

These, he noted require thinking outside the box to inspire self reliance, and ultimately promote local economic management.

"Due to these challenges, you must think strategically and internally. Therefore, we are thinking strategically" he remarked

The Minister subsequently acknowledged the long standing healthy working relationship existing between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and government of Ghana and called for consensus building around national policies that work in the interest of Ghana.

In the light of this, he explained that the administration of President John Dramani Mahama would continue to provide predictability and certainty in the management of Ghana's natural resources.

These he underscored would continue to happen through the reforms deepening environmental protection, mine closure reclamation, improved small scale mining activities, among others.

"It is really heartbreaking listening to the position of workers union"

He cited the return of hundreds of Ghanaians from South Africa due to xenophobia and acknowledged attempts being made by government to absorb them into the Ghanaian space with relevant job opportunities and social impact support.

Expanding the industry to absorb more people, he emphasised, would require maintaining viable business environment with the right incentives being offered.

"It is not about fighting. We want everyone to engage in mining. This is the whole intention"

He said the mining industry target to hit eight million (8m) ounces of gold production from the current five million (5m) ounces, remain ambitiously doable and government fully subscribes to it.

The new President of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Frederick Attakumah in an address described the task of leading the organization as an onerous responsibility.

"We are called to do more than celebrate our longevity "

He also described the mining industry as the single largest contributor of revenue to the country's national economy.

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines. Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey who welcomed participants to the AGM appealed to players to understand that owner mining, contract mining and hybrid must all align with the organizational goals and strategies required to streamline activities in the mining industry.