Lands Minister Engages Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti, Pushes for Stronger Collaboration with Small-Scale Miners

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP), has called on large-scale mining companies to deepen their collaboration with small-scale miners in a bid to foster inclusive growth within Ghana’s mining sector.

As part of a working tour, the Minister paid separate visits to Gold Fields Tarkwa Mines and AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem Mines on Monday, August 5. The visit aimed to familiarize him with the operational landscapes of these major mining firms and extend a formal invitation to them for the launch of the government’s upcoming Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

Addressing the management and technical teams of the companies, Hon. Buah stressed the government’s desire to see large-scale mining firms play a more impactful role in developing and supporting small-scale mining operations in their host communities.

“I want to see large-scale mining companies nurturing small-scale miners in these areas,” he said. “This way, when we recount Ghana’s mining story, we can highlight tangible efforts to empower the small-scale sector.”

The Minister lauded both companies for their commitment to Ghana’s local content agenda, noting the impressive qualifications and capabilities of their Ghanaian workforce.

“This is what we mean when we speak of Ghanaians taking the commanding heights of the economy,” he added.

Hon. Buah further revealed that the government is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of both the National Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act, with approximately 85% of the work completed. These reforms, he noted, are designed to make the country’s mining framework more modern and responsive to industry needs.

Speaking to the media, the Minister reiterated his vision of building a sustainable and inclusive mining sector that aligns with evolving government policy and benefits all stakeholders—particularly local communities and artisanal miners.