Davis Ansah Opoku, Vice Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to publish a comprehensive register of all mining leases. This register should cover agreements granted to both local and foreign companies across Ghana. The objective is to enhance transparency and accountability within the country's vital extractive sector.
Mr. Opoku, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, made this demand during parliamentary discussions. These discussions focused on the PAC's follow-up report concerning the Auditor-General's Performance Audit. That audit specifically reviewed the Regulation of Small-Scale Mining for a Sustainable Environment.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve governance in Ghana's natural resources. Ghana's economy relies significantly on its mineral wealth, particularly gold, bauxite, and manganese. For example, mineral exports contribute substantially to the nation's foreign exchange earnings. Increased transparency in mining sector data can attract more responsible investment and reduce financial losses from illicit activities, which the Ghana Revenue Authority estimates cost the nation billions of GHS annually.
Mr. Opoku stated that Parliament requires complete information on mining leases to fulfil its constitutional oversight duties. He requested a detailed register showing all issued mining leases, the names of local and foreign leaseholders, and the locations and sizes of their concessions. The register should also list the duration of each lease, the operational status of concessions, and any attached conditions. Such data would help policymakers understand the true state of resource extraction.
The legislator argued public access to this information would improve public confidence in how Ghana's mineral resources are managed. It would also enable Parliament to confirm whether concessions operate within legal boundaries. This clarity is crucial for distinguishing legitimate mining businesses from illegal operations, often referred to as 'galamsey', which cause significant environmental damage and revenue loss. The Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented 25 of 29 recommendations from the original audit report, but transparency remains a key challenge.
Mr. Opoku emphasised that the register must be regularly updated and made easily accessible. This accessibility is vital for supporting effective policy formulation and parliamentary oversight. He underscored that Ghana's mineral resources belong to its people. Therefore, Parliament must know who holds these leases and whether they comply with the conditions for these valuable national assets. Transparency is essential for accountability.
The move could have significant implications for Ghana's mining investment landscape. Greater transparency can create a more predictable and fair operating environment for legitimate companies, potentially attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) into the sector. Conversely, companies operating outside legal frameworks may face increased scrutiny and penalties. Watch for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources' response and how this data request impacts future mining policy decisions, which could shape the sector's financial trajectory for years.