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Minerals House
#12 Switchback Road
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Cantonment - Accra
GL- 060 -1131
Minerals Commission Hosts Central Bank of Kenya Delegation on Study Visit
Minerals Commission Hosts Central Bank of Kenya Delegation on Study Visit
Accra, March 27, 2026 – The Minerals Commission of Ghana welcomed a nine-member delegation from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), led by Mr. David Luusa, Director of Financial Markets, to its head office in Accra for a study visit focused on Ghana’s minerals regulatory framework and its support for the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP).
Facilitated through the Bank of Ghana’s Gold Management Office, the visit was initiated at the request of the CBK to gain deeper insight into the operational structures, regulatory mechanisms, and institutional collaboration underpinning Ghana’s gold purchase and management system.
During the engagement, Madam Victoria Awuni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Policy Planning, Mineral Titles, and Local Content, led discussions on the Commission’s mandate, licensing procedures, monitoring and compliance systems, and its partnership with the Bank of Ghana in strengthening the DGPP. The dialogue also highlighted reforms aimed at promoting responsible mining, enhancing transparency, and maximizing the mineral sector’s contribution to national development.
The CBK’s visit underscores growing regional recognition of Ghana’s innovative gold management framework, which has contributed to improved foreign reserve stability and greater formalization within the artisanal and small-scale mining value chain.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing cooperation with regional partners and expressed readiness to support Kenya’s efforts to enhance its minerals governance and gold reserves strategy.
tender notice for selection of strategic investor for the lease and operation of the damang gold mine
TENDER NOTICE FOR SELECTION OF STRATEGIC INVESTOR FOR THE LEASE AND OPERATION OF THE DAMANG GOLD MINE
TENDER APPLICATION FORM
APPLICABLE FEE-TENDER NOTICE
Caution to the General Public on Fraudulent Emails and Impersonation
CAUTION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON FRAUDULENT EMAILS AND IMPERSONATION
The Minerals Commission has issued an urgent public notice regarding individuals impersonating staff to solicit money and sensitive information for mining licences and permits.
Stakeholders are strictly advised that all official business is conducted only through authorized institutional channels, never via private emails or third-party intermediaries.
The public should exercise extreme caution, verify all communications, and immediately report any suspicious requests to the Commission.
Minerals Commission Engages IMF Mission to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability in Ghana’s Mining Sector
Minerals Commission Engages IMF Mission to Strengthen Transparency and Accountability in Ghana’s Mining Sector
Accra, March 16, 2026 – The Minerals Commission has held a high-level meeting with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) Fiscal Transparency Evaluation Mission led by Almudena Fernandez, to review and enhance transparency and accountability frameworks within the country’s mining sector. The engagement, which took place at the Commission’s head office, brought together senior officials led by the CEO, Mr. Isaac Tandoh, who welcomed the team, and the Deputy CEO for Support Services, Mr. Emmanuel Kwamena Anyimah, who led the technical discussions.
During the meeting, the Commission presented a detailed overview of Ghana’s mineral licensing architecture, emphasizing distinctions between Exploration and Exploitation rights and the statutory processes governing each category. Officials highlighted the importance of legal clarity, regulatory compliance, and transparent procedures in strengthening governance and reinforcing public confidence in the administration of mineral rights.
A significant focus of the engagement was beneficial ownership transparency. The Commission reaffirmed that new mining legislation will mandate the declaration of beneficial owners for all mineral rights holders. It also noted that since 2019, large-scale mining companies and mining support service providers have been required to disclose their beneficial ownership information, while small-scale mining licences remain strictly reserved for Ghanaian citizens. The IMF team was further briefed on statutory processing timelines, including the 90-day period for reviewing and recommendation of mineral right applications by the Commission and the 60-day Ministerial approval window.
The discussions also covered fiscal accountability and revenue flows within the sector. The Commission underscored that royalties are administered by the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Minerals Income Investment Fund in line with approved frameworks, and reaffirmed its commitment to publishing production, labour, health, and safety data to promote transparency. Both parties concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to strengthening Ghana’s mining governance in alignment with international best practices and supporting sustainable national development.
Other senior officials present included Madam Victoria Awuni, Deputy CEO for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles and Local Content; Mr. Joseph Frimpong, Acting Chief Inspector of Mines; Ing. Frank Asare, Director of Mineral Titles; Mr. Josef Iroko, Acting Director, Legal; and Mr. Ernest Brakohiapa, Assistant Manager, Mineral Titles, among others.
END.
Minerals Commission Partners with Quarry Operators to Strengthen Compliance and Protect Industrial Minerals
Minerals Commission Partners with Quarry Operators to Strengthen Compliance and Protect Industrial Minerals
In a decisive effort to sanitize operations within Ghana’s industrial minerals sector, the Minerals Commission convened a high-level meeting with the Commercial Quarry Operators Association to tackle encroachment, strengthen regulatory compliance, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
The meeting, held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at the Commission’s Head Office, brought together regulators and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and develop lasting solutions to challenges impeding growth of the quarry sub-sector.
Welcoming participants, Mr. Maxwell Yao Akpene Klu, Deputy CEO in charge of Small-Scale Mining and Industrial Minerals, emphasized the need for a unified and cooperative approach to advance the sector.
Setting the tone for discussions, Mr. Isaac Kuuwan Mwinbelle, Director, Industrial Minerals, raised concerns over production data integrity and operational safety. He underscored the importance of timely licence renewal processes, urging operators to submit reliable data and precise production returns. He also highlighted encroachment as a major challenge confronting operators and noted that several sites remain inactive due to encroachment, community land litigation, and health and safety issues.
The Commercial Quarry Operators Association presented a comprehensive list of challenges and actionable proposals:
- Encroachment – Operators called for granite deposits in the Country to be officially demarcated and reserved for quarry operations. They urged the Commission to issue a public notice warning unlawful settlers to relocate from such area.
- Land Pricing – Concerns were raised over exorbitant land prices set by landowners. The Association proposed compulsory government acquisition of buffer zones for quarrying, with operators paying the state for the buffer areas over the life of the quarry.
- Governance – Operators advocated for transforming the Association into a national body to enhance self-regulation, peer review, and accountability. They cited infractions such as misuse of waybills and failure to submit production returns, which contribute to under-reporting and revenue leakage.
The operators strongly recommended reserving quarry operations for Ghanaians, citing concerns over unauthorized foreign involvement. They urged the Commission to enforce local content regulations in the quarry sub-sector.
On community relations, Operators alleged that some traditional leaders are not receiving their due royalties from the Minerals Development Fund (MDF), causing mistrust and friction. They called for urgent resolution of these discrepancies to strengthen stakeholder relations.
The meeting resulted in several landmark recommendations intended to provide market stability and investor confidence. Key recommendations from the engagement included:
- Extension of Lease Terms – Increase from five (5) to ten (10) years for long-term investment certainty.
- Minimum Floor Pricing – Establishment of a minimum price for quarry products to ensure market stability and unfair competition amongst operators.
- Regulatory Consistency – Elimination of conflicting directives from state agencies.
- National Stakeholder Forum – Organize a national forum to discuss and find solutions to sector problems and raise public awareness of the industry’s economic significance.
In response, Mr. Mwinbelle acknowledged the concerns raised and commended the Association for presenting a unified front. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to resolving encroachment issues and operational bottlenecks affecting the sector.
The meeting concluded with a mutual pledge to expedite pending licences and resolve outstanding litigations issues, paving the way for a more structured, compliant, and profitable quarrying sub-sector in Ghana.
END.
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Leads Ghana’s Delegation to Canada
Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Leads Ghana’s Delegation to Canada
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi Constituency, Hon. Yusif Sulemana, led Ghana’s delegation, comprising officials from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources as well as the Board and Management of the Minerals Commission, to the 94th Annual Convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026.
The PDAC Convention is a premier global gathering for leaders in mineral exploration and development, dedicated to promoting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable international mining sector.
On the sidelines of the convention, Hon. Sulemana held a bilateral meeting with Global Affairs Canada to discuss the longstanding partnership between Ghana and Canada. He underscored the importance of mutual cooperation over the years and emphasized the value of strengthening collaboration and fostering shared development.
Hon. Sulemana also participated in a roundtable session at the International Mines Ministers Summit, held under the theme “Aligning Priorities: National Producer–Consumer Strategies for the Future of Minerals.” He highlighted progressive developments in Ghana’s mining sector, including the ongoing review of regulatory and policy frameworks to align with emerging global standards, efforts to deepen value retention through resource beneficiation, and measures aimed at safeguarding the investment climate for improved returns.
The Deputy Minister further led Ghana’s participation in the Opportunity Africa Spotlight, a high-profile event within the record-breaking PDAC 2026 convention that convened African governments to discuss the continent’s mining future. Discussions centred on building genuine partnerships to transform the sector while ensuring shared prosperity for African resource producers and global consumers. This year’s edition reinforced Africa’s vital role in the global minerals economy amid rising demand for critical minerals, with particular emphasis on shifting from raw mineral extraction to local beneficiation – an approach projected to generate up to USD 24 billion in annual GDP and create 2.3 million jobs across the continent.
In a bilateral meeting with Hon. Anthony Mavunde, Minister for Minerals of the Republic of Tanzania, the two ministers exchanged perspectives on mineral resource management and explored potential areas of cooperation.
Hon. Sulemana also joined the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) Closing Bell Ceremony and Reception, a prestigious event hosted at the TMX Market Centre in downtown Toronto. The ceremony provided significant visibility, networking opportunities, and a symbolic celebration of corporate achievements. The Deputy Minister engaged directly with capital market experts, corporate executives, and industry leaders during the event.
Accompanied by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Board Members, and Deputy Chief Executive Officers of the Minerals Commission, Hon. Sulemana visited Ghana’s investment promotion booth. There, he joined Commission officials in interacting with investors and visitors, showcasing Ghana’s mining prospects and reinforcing the country’s position as a premier destination for mining investment.
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Minerals Commission Pitches Investment Opportunities in Ghana’s Mining Sector to Investors in Canada
Minerals Commission Pitches Investment Opportunities in Ghana’s Mining Sector to Investors in Canada
The Minerals Commission participated in the 94th Annual Convention of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026, held from March 1–4, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. This premier global event convened leading mining companies, investors, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities and advancements in mineral exploration and development.
This year’s convention provided the Commission’s management with a strategic platform to engage the international exploration and mining community, including key players in finance and investment, geologists, geophysicists, financiers, drillers, government administrators, and policy analysts.
Organized around four thematic areas, Commodity Outlook, Mining Industry Outlook, Technology and Innovation, and Discovery of the Year, the programme featured presentations that highlighted emerging concepts and addressed critical challenges in mineral exploration and development.
The Commission’s management, together with members of its Board, actively participated in technical discussions and investment promotion activities. They positioned Ghana as a premier investment destination, emphasizing the country’s peaceful and stable environment, predictable regulatory framework, sustained political stability, and flexible fiscal policies that support sustainable business growth and enhanced returns.
Under Ghana’s banner, the Minerals Commission hosted an investment promotion booth showcasing opportunities within the country’s mining sector. Key focus areas included:
- Exploration Opportunities: High potential for new discoveries within well-established and stable geological belts.
- Downstream Processing Opportunities: Value addition through refining gold, manganese, and bauxite into alumina and other industrial minerals.
- Mining Support Services Opportunities: Engineering, geophysical investigations, and logistics services within the country.
The delegation also engaged a wide range of stakeholders – including investors, mining companies, financial institutions, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), technology providers, and policymakers – to build partnerships and drive sustainable investment into Ghana’s mining sector.
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Minerals Commission Leads Revenue Development Foundation on Working Visit to Zijin Akyem Mine
Minerals Commission Leads Revenue Development Foundation on Working Visit to Zijin Akyem Mine
The Minerals Commission facilitated a site visit to the Zijin Akyem Mine in the Eastern Region on Friday, February 27, 2026. The visit marked the conclusion of the 2026 Revenue Development Foundation (RDF) Governance Systems Workshop, held in Accra.
The trip provided the RDF team and delegates with a valuable opportunity to observe a large-scale mining operation firsthand. The engagement offered participants practical, on-site insights that reinforced the week-long discussions on digital transformation, revenue governance, and the effective regulation of Ghana’s mining sector.
The visit to the Zijin Akyem Mine deepened participants’ understanding of operational practices within the industry and underscored the importance of technological innovation and robust governance frameworks in enhancing transparency and sustainable resource management.
CEO of Minerals Commission Underscores Digital Transformation, Transparency, and Investor Confidence at Revenue Development Foundation Workshop
CEO of Minerals Commission Underscores Digital Transformation, Transparency, and Investor Confidence at Revenue Development Foundation Workshop
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 – The Chief Executive Officer of Minerals Commission, Mr. Isaac Tandoh has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to modernising its mineral administration systems and strengthening transparency within the sector during his opening remarks at the Revenue Development Foundation (RDF) 2026 Governance Systems Workshop for Staff and Delegate Countries held at the African Regent Hotel in Accra.
The workshop convened both local and international stakeholders to assess progress, exchange experiences, and enhance collaboration within the mineral revenue governance framework.
In his address, the CEO reflected on the Commission’s digital evolution, noting that the automated Mineral Cadastre Administration System (MCAS) went live in October 2021. He described this transition as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s mining sector regulation, establishing a foundation for improved licence processing, monitoring, and overall governance.
According to Mr. Tandoh, the digital system’s early achievements included identifying multiple and duplicate registrations within the licensing process. These irregularities have since been addressed, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the national mineral rights database. The subsequent cleanup significantly reduced administrative bottlenecks and enhanced fairness in the licensing regime.
Mr. Tandoh highlighted that the deployment of digital tools has contributed to a notable increase in revenue for the Commission. Enhanced data accuracy, improved monitoring capabilities, and reduced discretionary decision-making have collectively strengthened Ghana’s capacity to capture appropriate mineral-related revenues.
Reinforcing the Commission’s dedication to equitable practices, the CEO emphasised adherence to a first-come, first-served approach in mineral rights allocation – a principle enabled by the digital cadastre. This transparency-focused policy aims to eliminate opportunities for manipulation while providing all applicants with a fair and predictable pathway to securing mineral concessions.
Offering an outlook on sector growth, Mr. Tandoh revealed that four new mining projects are currently at various stages of the approval process. These forthcoming projects underscore the growing attractiveness of Ghana’s mining environment and reflect positive investor response to the Commission’s modernisation agenda.
Mr. Tandoh stressed that no mineral rights processes will henceforth be conducted outside the digital system – a measure ensuring procedural consistency and protecting the Commission from undue external influences. This digital-first approach, he noted, has helped Ghana align more closely with global best practices in mineral governance.
The CEO also highlighted the importance of Ghana’s consistent implementation of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI). Through rigorous disclosure practices and adherence to international transparency standards, the Commission continues to build greater investor confidence while reinforcing Ghana’s global reputation as a responsible and stable mining destination.
In closing, Mr. Tandoh called on participating countries and partners to maintain their commitment to collaborative revenue governance. He emphasised that digital transformation, transparency, and accountability remain the foundational pillars upon which Ghana intends to build a resilient, future-focused mining industry.
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Minerals Commission Chief Unveils Reforms to Boost Ghanaian Ownership
Minerals Commission Chief Unveils Reforms to Boost Ghanaian Ownership
Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Over 300 licences revoked as new measures target greater local control and equity in mining industry.
Ghana’s Chief Executive of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at increasing Ghanaian ownership and control in the country’s mining sector, saying employment alone is no longer enough.
Speaking at the maiden Mining Local Content Summit in Takoradi, Mr Tandoh said the changes were designed to correct what he described as decades of imbalance in the ownership of the nation’s mineral resources.
“Employment is not the same as ownership. Labour is not the same as control,” he told participants. “Our people are working in the mines, agreed, but do they own the mines?”
The two-day summit, attended by President John Dramani Mahama and other senior government officials, focused on strengthening local content and indigenisation in the mining industry.
Licences revoked.
Among the measures announced is the revocation of more than 300 small-scale mining licences acquired through irregular means.
Mr Tandoh said District Mining Committees would now play a mandatory role in reviewing and recommending all small-scale licence applications before final approval, in an effort to tighten oversight and improve accountability.
He also confirmed that the Minerals and Mining Act (Act 703) and the 2014 Minerals and Mining Policy have been comprehensively reviewed. New legislative instruments have been introduced to close legal loopholes.
Legislative Instrument 2462, which previously permitted mining in forest reserves, has been revoked.
New Licensing Legime.
As part of the reforms, a new medium-scale mining licence category has been introduced to bridge the gap between small- and large-scale operations and create more opportunities for Ghanaian operators.
Mr Tandoh also announced the phasing out of development agreements, citing what he described as systemic abuse. A new, more flexible royalty regime is expected to allow Ghana to capture greater value during periods of rising gold prices.
Local content provisions, he said, will now be embedded in every mining agreement, procurement decision and employment policy.
Crackdown on ‘Fronting’.
A key focus of the reforms is the elimination of “fronting” – an illegal practice in which foreign entities use Ghanaian nominees to acquire mineral rights.
Mr Tandoh linked the practice to the growth of illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey, and warned those involved to desist.
“To our Ghanaian brothers and sisters who lend their names to such arrangements: open your eyes,” he said. “You are not empowering yourself; you are enabling the disempowerment of your own people.”
He stressed that the reforms were not intended to punish investors but to ensure that Ghanaians benefit equitably from the country’s mineral wealth.
Digital Transformation.
The Minerals Commission is also embarking on a digital transformation drive to improve transparency and efficiency in the regulation of the mining sector, Mr Tandoh said.
He pledged that the Commission would enforce the law “without fear or favour” while working with investors who see Ghana as “a partner in progress”.
Officials say the reforms mark a significant shift in policy, aimed at strengthening indigenous participation and ensuring that mining revenues contribute to sustainable national development.
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