Ing Ken Ashigbey, CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has asked Reuters to clarify its report on Ghana’s proposed Minerals and Mining Bill, 2026, arguing that the proposed special-share provision is already part of existing mining law.
The Chamber said Section 60 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) already empowers the Minister responsible for mining to require a mining company to issue a special share to the Republic without consideration.
It said the provision, which is largely carried forward under Clause 57 of the proposed Bill, gives the special share consent rights over specified major corporate transactions, although it is generally non-voting and does not confer rights to dividends or company assets unless otherwise agreed.
The Chamber also drew attention to a difference between the published Bill and the Government’s subsequent position on the duration of mining leases.
According to the Chamber, the May 2026 version of the Bill published by Parliament provides for an initial mining lease term of 15 years or the forecast life of the mine, whichever is shorter.
However, it noted that Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah subsequently stated on July 15, 2026, that the mining lease period would be capped at 20 years.
The Chamber stressed that the minister’s statement represents the Government’s stated policy intention but does not, by itself, amend the Bill currently before Parliament.
It has therefore urged Reuters and other media organisations to distinguish between existing law, the published Bill and subsequent government policy statements when reporting on the proposed reforms.
The Chamber said it remains engaged with Government, Parliament and regulators on the Bill, particularly its implications for investment, competitiveness, governance and Ghana’s long-term interests.
