The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has called on government, Parliament, and the general public to reject any attempt to approve the extension of the Tarkwa mines to Gold Fields, insisting that Ghana must take full control of its mining industry.
According to the IEA, the time has come for the state to assume ownership of mining operations and employ qualified experts to manage the sector in the interest of Ghanaians.
Speaking at a media engagement, former Chief Justice, Sophia Akufo, stressed the need for Ghana to ensure its strategic mineral resources deliver maximum value to citizens through greater state participation in mining operations.
She argued that foreign mining companies have contributed inadequately to Ghana’s development despite decades of exploiting the country’s mineral wealth.
Justice Akufo expressed concern over what she described as the low percentage of mining revenue retained by the state, while multinational mining firms continue to benefit significantly from Ghana’s natural resources.
Beyond revenue concerns, she noted that mining activities have contributed to severe environmental degradation and rising unemployment among the youth in mining communities.
She therefore called on Parliament and labour unions to support the campaign for increased state control of the mining sector.
Former Speaker of Parliament, Mike Oquaye, also advocated a complete overhaul of Ghana’s mining regime, urging government to take over the country’s mines.
Meanwhile, Dr. Charles Mensah of the IEA maintained that government should assume control of all mining companies and engage experts to manage operations on behalf of the state.
Ghana remains one of Africa’s leading gold producers, with mining serving as a major contributor to the economy and export earnings. However, concerns over foreign ownership, environmental destruction, and the limited benefits to local communities continue to fuel calls for reforms and greater state participation in the sector.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
