Africa Policy Lens Urges Amendments to Gold Board Act Amid Shifts in Ghana’s Mining Ownership and Policy

Ghana’s mining landscape is undergoing significant regulatory and structural changes, highlighted by calls for legislative amendments and potential shifts in mine ownership. The policy think tank Africa Policy Lens (APL) has urgently requested an amendment to Section 25 of the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025 (Act 1140), to resolve institutional overlaps and prevent financial mismanagement. These calls for reform come as the government simultaneously explores the transfer of major mining assets to local firms, signaling a robust push for domestic participation and stricter environmental governance in the extractive sector.

APL’s concerns center on the potential for the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to encroach upon the established mandates of the Minerals Commission and the Forestry Commission. This tension was recently highlighted by GoldBod’s GH₵36.35 million agreement with the Forestry Commission and the Ghana Armed Forces to restore 50 hectares of the Tano Nimiri Forest Reserve, which had been devastated by illegal mining activities. APL argues that while reclamation is necessary, the current wording of the Act risks creating governance issues and financial losses. The think tank recommends that funds for such environmental initiatives be administered by the relevant specialized agencies legally mandated for such tasks, rather than by GoldBod itself.

Beyond legislative adjustments, the Ghanaian government is contemplating a landmark shift in ownership for the Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine once its current lease expires in April 2027. Reports indicate that authorities are considering transferring control to local firms to increase indigenous participation in the gold industry, particularly as global gold prices continue to rise. Under this proposal, local miners would submit bids evaluated on their commitments to environmental standards, local employment, and community infrastructure. This initiative aligns with recent fiscal changes, including the government's decision to increase mining royalties from 5% to 12% to boost state revenue.

These developments in Ghana coincide with a growing continental movement toward environmental caution in resource extraction. Recently, Kenya became the 42nd nation to join a global coalition calling for a moratorium on deep-seabed mining, emphasizing the urgent need to protect fragile ocean ecosystems from industrial disruption. As Ghana navigates the balance between local economic empowerment, institutional efficiency, and environmental restoration, the broader African context reflects an increasing priority on sustainable and well-regulated resource management to safeguard both the economy and the environment.