The Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing transparency, fiscal compliance, and strategic cooperation in Ghana’s mining sector.
Speaking at the opening of a Capacity Building Programme for GRA Schedule Officers held in Accra on Tuesday, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey emphasized that the initiative was not “just another training session,” but rather a strategic investment in capacity, transparency, and trust.
“Your role as Schedule Officers of the Ghana Revenue Authority is integral to the success of Ghana’s revenue administration, particularly in the context of the mining industry,” Dr. Ashigbey stated.
Dr. Ashigbey revealed that Ghana’s mining sector has made substantial fiscal contributions in recent years. In 2024 alone, the sector paid GH₵17.7 billion in taxes to the government, a 51.2% increase from the previous year. Additionally, dividends to the state surged by over 600%, reaching GH₵1.03 billion. The sector’s share of direct domestic taxes rose to 24.3%, while mineral royalties increased by 76.7% to GH₵4.9 billion.
“Over the last decade, total mineral revenue exceeded USD 40.15 billion, with over USD 29 billion returned to Ghana through local financial institutions,” he added.
Beyond revenue, mining companies continue to invest in critical social infrastructure such as schools, clinics, and water systems, enhancing the lives of residents in mining communities.
“This is a testament to the positive impact of responsible mining on our nation’s progress and development,” he noted.
The event brought together key GRA schedule officers, and Chamber members to discuss technical tax issues including mineral royalties, corporate income tax, capital allowances, and transfer pricing. Dr. Ashigbey stressed that effective tax administration in the mining sector requires a nuanced understanding of complex mining operations.
“An informed and well-equipped tax workforce translates into better compliance, reduced disputes, and improved revenue performance for the state,” he noted.
In his remarks, Mr. Nii Marmah Sankah, Chief Revenue Officer and Acting Head of the Mining Department at the GRA, acknowledged the significant contributions of the mining industry toward the Authority’s revenue mobilisation efforts.
He commended the Chamber for its role in curbing the proliferation of cyanide in Ghana and called for greater cooperation in addressing illegal chemical sales in the sector.
“The GRA will collaborate with the Security Agencies to find a lasting solution to the sale of mercury on the black market,” Mr. Sankah pledged.
He further appealed to member companies of the Chamber to increase production levels, which he said would support the nation’s fiscal targets.
Mr. Sankah also praised the Chamber’s leadership for initiating the capacity-building programme, stating that it would equip GRA officers with the technical knowledge needed to perform their duties efficiently and with greater insight into the complexities of mining taxation.