Deputy Lands Minister urges miners to support local businesses linked to mining
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana, has called on large-scale mining companies in Ghana to go beyond mere resource extraction by actively supporting local enterprises across the minerals value chain.
Speaking at the Mining and Minerals Convention in Accra, Alhaji Sulemana emphasised that the long-term sustainability of the nation’s mining sector depends on local empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity.
The Deputy Minister stressed that mentoring indigenous enterprises would not only drive economic growth but also facilitate skills transfer and ensure host communities benefit from the country’s mineral wealth.
“The future we are building requires strong partnerships. This convention provides a platform to share ideas, debate solutions, and forge collaborations that will shape Ghana’s mining story for generations to come,” he said.
Alhaji Sulemana highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to digital transformation, citing the introduction of technology for equipment tracking, mineral traceability, and monitoring as crucial steps towards transparency and efficiency in the sector.
He further urged large-scale mining companies to invest in downstream projects, mentor small businesses within the value chain, and go beyond their environmental and social obligations.
“To our small-scale miners, government is your partner,” he stressed, assuring them of continued support.
The Deputy Minister also noted that fintech-enabled digital platforms would enhance transparency, build investor confidence, and strengthen the role of small-scale miners as partners in national development rather than adversaries.
The Mining and Minerals Convention brought together industry leaders, academics, civil society actors, and innovators, serving as a collaborative platform to exchange ideas and chart a sustainable future for Ghana’s mining industry.
