The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Mr Samuel A. Jinapor, has underscored the government’s commitment to implementing a new tripartite mining policy.
He stressed that this commitment has opened up many lucrative investment opportunities in the country’s extractive industry.
Addressing investors at the 25th Annual African Mining Breakfast and the 22nd Annual Investing in African Mining Seminar on Tuesday, Mr Jinapor said Ghana’s new mining policy comprises three key pillars: diversifying the mineral resource base, promoting beneficiation and value addition, enhancing local content and participation.
On diversification, the Minister stated that the policy unlocks opportunities for investors to explore and develop projects focused on Ghana’s vast array of mineral resources beyond its traditional gold mining strength.
“We are promoting the diversification of our mineral resource base to exploit the range of minerals that can be responsibly and viably mined.
“Ghana, the beacon of democracy in Africa, is reputed for its appropriate policy, legislative, institutional and fiscal frameworks that create a welcoming investment climate,” he asserted.
Mr Jinapor disclosed that Ghana was promoting value addition to minerals mined in the country to ensure that the resources mutually benefit both the government and investors.
“This pillar creates openings for investors to establish value-added industries, capturing more value from Ghana’s mineral wealth through downstream processing and manufacturing,” he added.
On enhancing local content and participation, he explained that it aims to ensure that while the interests of investors are upheld, Ghanaians, who are the owners of the mineral resources also benefit from the mining industry.
“This policy presents opportunities for investors to contribute to local economic development through employment, procurement and other avenues, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with host communities,” he said.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allied Gold Corporation, Mr Peter Marrone, urged African governments to create opportunities in their countries since many investors the world over are looking up to Africa.
On direct investment into the assets, he said that Africa cannot be overlooked and urged investors to look for such benefits.
He noted that Africa, a youthful population, wants to be better and mining should represent the industry that gives the best opportunity and benefits across the board.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
