Victoria Awuni (2nd from right)
Victoria Awuni, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Policy Planning, Mineral Titles & Local Content at Ghana’s Minerals Commission, has highlighted Ghana’s approach to inclusive mining at the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Speaking at the plenary session on “Value for All: Inclusive Strategies Across Mineral Value Chains,” Awuni showcased how Ghana’s mining sector leverages local content and procurement frameworks to promote inclusive employment, gender equality, and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) participation.
Awuni noted that Ghana’s local content regime balances local and foreign expertise. Mining companies are required to reserve specific job opportunities for Ghanaian citizens while integrating foreign expertise to support technology transfer and productivity. Mine managers are expected to be Ghanaian nationals after five years of operation, and laws mandate employment opportunities for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities.
Gender Equality
Awuni explained that Ghanaian legislation requires mining firms to demonstrate gender parity through localization plans submitted to the Minerals Commission. While a 2022 IGF study showed women were mostly in clerical roles, Ghana is now reinforcing women’s participation in technical and managerial positions through legal and policy measures.
Mining generates opportunities for supporting businesses. Ghana has earmarked 51 goods and services for local businesses with significant local shareholding, generating USD 2.6 billion in 2024 and creating employment beyond the mines themselves.
Awuni highlighted community development initiatives, including ICT labs in schools, technology training, and road construction projects such as Newmont’s 10.2 km Afrisipa-Tekyire bypass and Goldfields’ 33 km Tarkwa-Damang road reconstruction. These projects enhance connectivity, digital skills, and energy access in host mining communities.
Awuni added that Ghana’s experience demonstrates how coherent local content policies ensure mining contributes not only to national revenue but also to broad-based social and economic benefits.
Also among the Ghanaian delegation to this year’s IGF, 21st AGM are, the Technical Advisor of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. Martin Kwaku Ayisi; the Solicitor General at the Office the Attorney General & Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Helen Akpene Awo Ziwu; Head of Corporate Affairs and Information Technology at the Minerals Commission, Dr. Ahmed Tijani; Chief State Attorney, Mrs. Leona Serwah Johnson;-Abassah, the Assistant Manager for Research and Statistics, Mr. Wisdom B. Puplampu and the Manager of Mining Sector at the Domestic Tax Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Mr. Gabriel Gaanu.
