Ghana is seeking to strengthen indigenous participation in the mining industry through a proposed law requiring local investors to hold at least 60 per cent ownership in medium-scale mining operations.
The proposed legislation, currently under parliamentary consideration, would restrict foreign investors to a maximum stake of 40 per cent, ensuring that Ghanaian partners retain controlling interests in joint ventures.
Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Tandoh, explained that the policy was designed to empower financially capable Ghanaian entrepreneurs to participate in the sector through collaborations with international mining companies.
He made the disclosure at the 2026 China-Ghana Mining Cooperation Conference in Accra, organised by the Association of China-Ghana Mining LBG.
According to him, the bill has been submitted to Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources for examination.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, encouraged greater investment from Chinese companies, particularly in mineral processing and the development of local industries.
China-Ghana Mining Association Inaugurated to Deepen Bilateral Collaboration
He noted that Chinese firms were providing modern machinery and technical solutions to enhance productivity, reduce operational expenditure and improve the sector’s capabilities.
The diplomat also acknowledged their contributions to knowledge transfer, vocational training and community advancement.
Presidential Advisor on the Economy, Seth Terkper, who represented the Chief of Staff, called on businesses from both countries to explore Ghana’s capital market for sustainable investment funding.
He advocated the use of the Ghana Stock Exchange to mobilise long-term resources instead of depending predominantly on bank credit.
Mr Terkper further recommended a partnership between the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund and China Development Bank to strengthen funding for major infrastructure projects.
For his part, President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Frederick Attakumah, pointed to the increasing involvement of Chinese enterprises in gold production and emerging mineral industries.
He observed that the establishment of additional Chinese-operated gold mines demonstrated investor confidence, while activities in manganese and lithium reflected continued interest in the country’s natural resources.
The gathering also featured the inauguration of the China-Ghana Mining Talent Development Centre, which is expected to promote professional training, improve technical competencies and prepare a skilled workforce for the mining industry.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong