Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has stated government does not seek to nationalize the country’s mining sector contrary to claims. According to the minister government is rather seeking a mutually beneficial partnership in where investors earn competitive returns while contributing to local empowerment, value addition, and skills transfer which he argues should not be misconstrued as the nationalisation of the sector.
The comments come amid ongoing public discussions surrounding the renewal of mining leases of foreign firms including that of Goldfields Tarkwa mine.
Speaking at the 19th edition of the West African Mining and Power Expo (WAMPEX) on Wednesday, June 3, Armah-Kofi Buah, reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a stable, predictable, and investor-friendly mining environment.
“To our partners and our investors, I wish to reaffirm that Ghana remains committed to providing a stable, predictable, fiscal, legal certainty, and transparent environment for investors. So, forget about all the noise you’re hearing. You are hearing it from me. That is what we are focused on.
“A win-win partnership where investors get a good return on their investment and, in return, leave a lasting legacy of empowerment, value addition, and expertise cannot be nationalism of mines. It cannot,” he clarified.
“To our investors, we say, partner with us in building value-added industries. Policymakers and regional institutions, we say, let us align our development frameworks and accelerate the implementation together.
“So, let me conclude by reemphasising Ghana’s commitment to building a mining sector that is modern, responsible, resilient, and globally competitive. The opportunity before us is very important. Therefore, if we act with vision, discipline, and partnership, we can turn West Africa’s natural wealth into jobs, industries that guarantee security and lasting prosperity for our people,” he stated.
