The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to urgently reconsider newly introduced policies, which they describe as detrimental to the sustainability of Ghana’s mining sector.
The Minority in a letter released on Monday, April 21 addressed the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah to express concern over the detrimental effects the new policies could have on Ghana’s mining sector.
The Minority referenced the government’s 2025 revenue policies – particularly including a 2% growth and sustainability levy on gross mining volumes and an imposition of a new growth and sustainability levy from 2026 to 2028.
It raised concerns over the tension which has emerged among the investor community and a possible depletion of Ghana’s gains from the said sector due to the introduction of these polices. “These actions, have generated high levels of discomfort among the investor
community and have the potential impact of quickly eroding the gains Ghana
has made in attracting foreign direct investments into the economy generally,
and into the mining industry specifically.” a portion of the letter read.
The group raised red flags over the government’s new mining policies – which are more or less like royalties are compounding the financial woes of already struggling mining firms.
They contend that miners dealing in commodities without recent price gains are being disproportionately burdened by these additional taxes, threatening the viability of their operations.
A major point of contention is the newly enacted Goldbod Act, which bans foreign entities from trading and exporting gold. The Minority warns that this move not only discourages international investment but also retroactively violates rights guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
Further criticism was directed at the government’s refusal to renew the mining lease of Gold Fields Ghana’s Damang site. The opposition views this as a squandered opportunity to renegotiate favorable terms with a reputable operator and a serious blow to investor confidence.
They also decried an 80% cut in funding to the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), saying the move weakens Ghana’s ability to secure equity in its mineral wealth and undermines the country’s ambitions for sectoral growth.
The letter signed by Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah; the Ranking Member on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee, Kwaku Ampratwum Sarpong; and the Ranking Member on the Finance Committee, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam cited a recent violent attack at a mining site that claimed eight lives. They blamed anti-investor rhetoric for creating a hostile environment and expressed dismay over the slow pace of investigations—an issue they say is heightening investor anxiety.
Additionally, the group criticized the recent abolition of Community Mining Schemes, warning that the move has fueled illegal mining. Instead of dismantling the schemes, they argued, the government should have strengthened regulation to ensure responsible, community-led mining.
Calling for an urgent policy shift, the Minority urges the government to reinstate lease renewals, and adopt a clear roadmap to support both local and foreign mining stakeholders. They emphasized the need for stability, fairness, and investor-friendly policies to safeguard the future of Ghana’s mining sector.
See full letter below: