Business News of 2026-09-13
We will remain firm against fronting – Minerals Commission CEO
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrews Tandoh, says the Commission will remain firm against fronting arrangements where foreign entities use Ghanaian names to secure mineral rights.
He said the practice was unethical and disempowered Ghanaians.
"The Commission will remain firm against 'fronting' arrangements — where foreign entities use Ghanaian names to secure mineral rights. That practice is unethical and disempowers our own people. We are ready to confront it," he said.
Tandoh was speaking at Ghana Day on the sidelines of the 28th China Mining Conference and Exhibition, held at the Meijiang Convention Centre in Tianjin, China.
He commended Chinese investors for their contributions to employment, productivity, safety and skills development in Ghana's mining sector.
"I want to commend Chinese investors for their contributions to employment, productivity, safety and skills development in Ghana's mining sector. While we appreciate your contribution, the future must be about genuine partnerships that advance local content and value addition," he stated.
He said transparent engagement was needed to ensure mining growth benefited Ghana equitably.
Tandoh said in the past year, under President John Dramani Mahama and Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, the Commission had revoked over 300 improperly acquired small-scale mining licences and operationalised District Mining Committees for stricter local oversight.
He said the Commission had reviewed the Minerals and Mining Act, Act 703, revoked LI 2462, which allowed mining in forest reserves, introduced a new medium-scale licensing category, and proposed a revised royalty regime to ensure Ghana benefited more during high gold prices.
"Seventy years after independence, we must ask ourselves whether we truly own and benefit from our mineral wealth. Employment is not the same as ownership. Labour is not the same as control," he said.
He said the Commission was embedding local content into every mining agreement, procurement decision and employment policy, and was ready to enforce the laws without fear or favour.
He said the Commission was going fully digital to enhance transparency and efficiency.
"Ghana remains committed to maintaining a transparent and predictable regulatory regime capable of attracting responsible investors while protecting the country's mineral resources," he added.
