Omanghana
The Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called for stronger partnerships between mining companies and host communities to ensure mineral wealth translates into lasting economic opportunities and environmental recovery.
Speaking during an engagement on sustainable resource management, Buah said mining should leave a meaningful development legacy in communities where resources are extracted. He stressed that the benefits must extend beyond the lifespan of individual mining operations.
A central priority is retaining more mining-related expenditure within Ghana. This includes expanding opportunities for local workers, sourcing engineering services domestically and supporting Ghanaian businesses that manufacture equipment and spare parts.
Such an approach would strengthen the links between mining operations and the wider economy, allowing more local enterprises to participate in the sector’s supply chain.
Environmental restoration is another key element of the proposed approach. Mining companies, Buah stressed, must be held accountable for rehabilitating degraded land rather than leaving communities to bear the long-term consequences of extraction.
The call comes amid continuing concern over the destruction of forests, water bodies and farmland by illegal mining. Addressing those challenges requires effective regulation and cooperation among state institutions, traditional authorities and mining operators.
The broader agenda also places emphasis on processing minerals locally instead of relying heavily on raw exports. Expanding domestic processing capacity could create skilled jobs, support indigenous mining businesses and increase the value Ghana retains from its mineral resources.
However, achieving these goals will require a predictable regulatory environment. The Ghana Chamber of Mines has raised concerns that uncertainty surrounding mining leases could delay major investments, highlighting the need to balance regulatory oversight with timely decision-making.
Buah’s appeal places host communities at the center of the discussion, with an emphasis on partnerships that combine commercial investment with local employment, business opportunities and responsible land management.
Source: Omanghana
