The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on Monday, August 5, 2025, paid a working visit to two major mining companies—Goldfields Tarkwa Mines and AngloGold Ashanti’s Iduapriem Mines—in the Western Region.

The visit forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration between the government and large-scale mining firms.

The Minister’s visit had two primary objectives: to familiarise himself with the operations of the two mining giants and to formally invite them to the upcoming launch of the government’s flagship alternative livelihood initiative, the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).

In separate engagements with the management and technical teams of both companies, Mr. Buah emphasised the government’s vision of fostering stronger partnerships between large-scale mining firms and small-scale operators in their host communities.

"I want to see large-scale mining companies nurturing small-scale miners in these areas,” he stated.

“This way, when we recount Ghana’s mining story, we can highlight tangible efforts to empower the small-scale sector.”

The Minister praised both companies for their demonstrated commitment to local participation, describing their workforce as a model for Ghana’s local content aspirations.

“I am impressed by the capacity and qualifications of the local employees here.

This is what we mean when we speak of Ghanaians taking the commanding heights of the economy,” he remarked.

Mr Buah also revealed that the government is nearing completion of key reforms in the mining sector, with about 85% of work done on the review of both the National Mining Policy and the Minerals and Mining Act. He said the updated frameworks will make Ghana’s mining policies more forward-looking and better aligned with the country’s development goals.

Speaking to the media, the Minister reaffirmed his commitment to building an inclusive and sustainable mining sector and called on all stakeholders to align with the government’s evolving policy direction.