The President of the National House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has endorsed the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ proposal for 30% of mineral royalties to be returned directly to mining communities, describing it as a practical step towards ensuring that communities hosting mining operations receive a fairer share of the wealth generated from their natural resources.
Speaking at the Mining for Development Forum, organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in Accra under the theme “Strategic Mining: Value Retention and Development,” Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II said mining communities deserve greater investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic opportunities to reflect their contribution to Ghana’s mineral wealth.
He noted that while the mining industry remains a major pillar of the national economy, many host communities continue to grapple with development challenges despite decades of mineral production.
The President of the National House of Chiefs therefore welcomed the Chamber’s proposal that 30% of mineral royalties be allocated directly to mining communities, describing it as a policy that would empower local authorities to undertake critical development projects and strengthen the relationship between mining companies, government and host communities.
“The people who host mining activities must see tangible improvements in their lives. Returning a greater share of mineral royalties to these communities will help accelerate local development and reinforce the social licence for responsible mining,” he said.
The proposal is consistent with the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ long-standing advocacy for a review of Ghana’s mineral revenue distribution framework to ensure that mining communities receive a greater proportion of royalties for local development.
Focus on Value Retention
The forum brought together government officials, traditional leaders, mining executives, development partners, academia and civil society to examine strategies for ensuring Ghana derives greater value from its mineral resources through local manufacturing, mineral processing, refining, technology transfer and industrial development.
Participants agreed that Ghana must move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead build strong backward and forward linkages that create jobs, stimulate local industries and retain more economic value within the country.
Invest in Skills Development
A key recommendation from the forum was for mining companies to collaborate with government, technical universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to establish Mining Skills and Training Hubs in mining communities.
The proposed centres would equip young people with technical skills in mining operations, equipment maintenance, engineering, mineral processing, environmental management and entrepreneurship, enabling them to participate more meaningfully in the mining value chain.
Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development
Participants also stressed that while government remains responsible for delivering public infrastructure through mineral revenues, mining companies should continue supporting local economic development through skills training, enterprise development, local procurement and strategic community investments.
The forum concluded that increasing the share of royalties allocated to mining communities, alongside deliberate investments in industrialisation, human capital development and local value addition, would help ensure Ghana’s mineral resources generate lasting benefits for host communities and the nation as a whole.
The Mining for Development Forum forms part of the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ stakeholder engagement platform aimed at promoting evidence-based dialogue on policies that enhance responsible mining, value retention and sustainable socio-economic development in Ghana.