Michael Edem Akafia, President of Ghana Chamber of Mines
President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Michael Edem Akafia, has called for stronger governance structures in the mining sector, including the passage of a dedicated Minerals Revenue Management Act, to ensure transparency, accountability and equitable use of Ghana’s mineral revenues.
Speaking at the 11th Ghana Mining Industry Awards in Accra, Mr Akafia said the mining sector stands “at a defining moment,” contributing significantly to national earnings, jobs and community development, but facing rising public expectations and governance challenges.
He said the proposed revenue management law—modelled after the Petroleum Revenue Management Act—would help deepen public trust, ensure intergenerational equity and guarantee that mining communities receive their fair share of benefits.
Removal of VAT on exploration
The Chamber President expressed appreciation to President Akufo-Addo, the Lands Minister and the Finance Minister for the recent abolition of VAT on exploration activities, describing it as a major boost for project development and investor attraction.
He said the chamber had long advocated for this policy change and believes it will “create the next pipeline of mining projects” while strengthening Ghana’s competitiveness in the global mining industry.
Mr. Akafia welcomed government’s ongoing review of the Minerals and Mining Act, emphasizing that the new framework must balance Ghana’s development aspirations with the need to maintain investor confidence.
He urged government to ensure policy and legislative consistency, noting:“The framework must strengthen the industry, not stifle it.”
Condemnation of Illegal Mining
The Chamber President delivered a strong rebuke of illegal mining, describing it as a threat to the environment, state authority and national security.
He said recent attacks on state institutions and security agencies were “wholly unacceptable” and must be met with decisive but lawful action.
Mr Akafia called for improved resourcing of regulators and the adoption of technologies such as mineral tracking systems to combat illicit mining.
He stressed that host communities remain central to the industry’s operations, noting that member companies invested US$28 million in community development projects in 2024 alone.
He called for better roads, water systems, schools, health facilities and local enterprise support in mining areas.
With global mining rapidly shifting toward digitalization, automation and decarbonization, the Chamber urged stronger government collaboration in developing local content, training a future-ready workforce and encouraging adoption of modern technologies.
He said Ghana has the potential to become not only Africa’s mining hub but also a global centre of mining innovation and services.
This year’s awards, held on the theme “Celebrating Excellence in Mining: Creating Value Beyond Minerals,” recognized outstanding achievements in safety, innovation, technology, gender inclusion, community development and responsible mining.
Mr Akafia encouraged continued collaboration among government, industry players, labour, communities and civil society, stressing:
“Ghana grows when we see mining not as a contest, but as a shared opportunity for national transformation.”
