Ghana is set to witness a landmark shift in its mining sector as the Minerals Commission announces a new policy requiring the approval of traditional leaders before mining licenses can be granted.
This significant reform aims to resolve long-standing tensions between mining companies and local communities.
For years, Ghana’s chiefs have voiced concerns about being sidelined in decisions affecting land use, often leading to disputes over environmental degradation, revenue distribution, and displacement of residents.
Benjamin Aryee, head of the Minerals Commission’s policy review team, acknowledged these grievances during discussions with leaders from the Bono Region.
“Houses of Chiefs have consistently raised concerns about insufficient engagement,” he said.
To address these concerns, the Commission plans to establish local offices across the country to facilitate direct collaboration with chiefs and their communities.
Aryee declared the old permit system “passed away,” emphasizing a new model where traditional rulers play a pivotal role in licensing, monitoring, and sustainability efforts. “We’ll engage them upfront—ensuring their input precedes any license processing,” he affirmed.
This approach aims to empower custodians of the land, including prominent figures such as Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, ensuring mining projects align with community needs and values.
If fully implemented, these changes could represent Ghana’s most significant mining reform in three decades, effectively placing tradition at the heart of resource governance.
The Minerals Commission’s commitment to this inclusive framework signals a future where the voices of Ghana’s traditional leaders are no longer a mere formality but a decisive factor in shaping the nation’s mining landscape.
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