Ghana must legislate minimum community development obligations for mining companies. Former Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, George Mireku Duker, made this call.
Mr. Duker stated that these obligations should no longer be voluntary. He argued that current corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts fail to meet community needs. He spoke at the National Mining Dialogue 2026 in Accra.
This proposal comes as Ghana seeks to maximize benefits from its rich mineral resources. Mining communities often express frustration over perceived lack of development despite significant resource extraction. The call for legislation aims to ensure a more equitable distribution of mining wealth. It also seeks to address long-standing grievances regarding environmental and social impacts.
“You cannot legislate on charity,” Mr. Duker explained. He added that other African countries have successfully legislated minimum community development obligations. He cited Sierra Leone's Mining and Minerals Development Act 2022 as an example. This Act requires companies to secure a Community Development Agreement (CDA) before starting operations. Such agreements clearly outline company responsibilities to affected communities. This approach transforms goodwill gestures into legally binding commitments.
The move could significantly impact mining company operations and community relations. It would shift the burden from voluntary initiatives to enforceable legal requirements. Companies would need to integrate community development into their core business plans. This could lead to more predictable and sustainable development projects in mining areas. It also provides communities with a stronger legal basis to demand accountability. The proposal also aligns with global best practices in resource governance.
Mr. Duker also called for greater transparency in managing mining revenues. This includes royalties channeled through the Minerals Development Fund, local assemblies, and traditional authorities. He noted that the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) was established to ring-fence these revenues. The goal is to ensure funds are used for their intended purposes. Communities should track revenue generation and utilization. This transparency would reduce frustration among young people in mining areas. They often question whether their communities truly benefit from local mineral extraction. This enhanced transparency is crucial for fostering trust and preventing social unrest.
The former Deputy Minister urged stakeholders to include CDAs and royalty transparency in the dialogue's communiqué. Ghana can learn from successful African models. This ensures mining drives local development and social inclusion. The National Mining Dialogue 2026 was organized by Asempa FM and Ekosiisen. It partnered with Semmis DS and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. This initiative reflects a broader national conversation on improving mining sector governance. It aims to ensure that Ghana's mineral wealth genuinely improves the lives of its citizens, especially those directly impacted by mining activities. The proposed legislation would provide a clear framework for these improvements.